During the coldest and hottest moments in Ballwin and St. Charles, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to decrease your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your home. However, when your filters become dirty, it isn’t just your air quality that is affected. 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 regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Air Alliance Team to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. While it’s spring, have an HVAC technician review 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 winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Air Alliance Team technicians are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility 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 crazy measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Air Alliance Team to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a possibility your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Air Alliance Team 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 more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Air Alliance Team in Ballwin and St. Charles is ready to guide you. Call us at 636-206-4250 or schedule an appointment online.