Through the coldest and hottest days in Lake Forest, your heating and cooling system is an essential 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 household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to maintaining 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 decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Call 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s spring, have an HVAC technician assess your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come to your house again to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. technicians are well-equipped 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 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 crazy measures every day. 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 away from the home.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps 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. Chat with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue 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, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about managing your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Lake Forest is ready to guide you. Call us at 949-204-0859 or schedule an appointment online.