During the coldest and hottest moments in Haines City, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 be the culprit behind 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 utility bill, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your house. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. While it’s 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select 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, typically allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to see if either of these options will work for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a likelihood 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, Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can give give you a hand. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. in Haines City is ready to guide you. Contact us at 863-216-2923 or schedule an appointment online.