Through the coldest and hottest moments in Auburn and Opelika, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to reduce your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your space. However, more than just your air quality suffers when your filters are full of debris. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Reach out to Farnell Mechanical, Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional review your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Farnell Mechanical, Inc. technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer your home’s temperature is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Farnell Mechanical, Inc. to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, there’s a possibility your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Farnell Mechanical, Inc. can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about managing your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. in Auburn and Opelika is prepared to guide you. Call us at 334-524-2458 or schedule an appointment online.