Throughout the coldest and hottest days in Cape Coral, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 make up nearly half of your energy usage.
That large 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your house. 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. Switching out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Reach out to Comfort Zone, LLC to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. During spring, have an HVAC expert review your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Comfort Zone, LLC technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. The closer the house’s temp 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 easily 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 automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Comfort Zone, LLC to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, 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, Comfort Zone, LLC is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Comfort Zone, LLC in Cape Coral is all set to guide you. Call us at 239-214-0411 or schedule an appointment online.