Throughout the coldest and hottest days in Magnolia, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to lower your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could be the culprit behind nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are several ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop 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. Changing out your air filter routinely 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. Call JTech Mechanical to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional assess 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 cooler weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. JTech Mechanical 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 gone. The closer the temp in your house 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 not at the house.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with JTech Mechanical to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a possibility your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, JTech Mechanical can help you out. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at JTech Mechanical in Magnolia is all set to guide you. Call us at 281-231-8768 or schedule an appointment online.