Through the coldest and hottest moments in Murrieta, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 make up nearly half of the energy you use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your home. 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact Cool Air Solutions to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is spring, have an HVAC expert inspect 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Cool Air Solutions technicians are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. 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 extreme measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own 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 reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Cool Air Solutions to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a good chance your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve decided it’s time to look for a replacement system, Cool Air Solutions is here to help. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Cool Air Solutions in Murrieta is ready to guide you. Call us at 951-299-9853 or schedule an appointment online.