Through the coldest and hottest moments in Franklin Lakes, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are several ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help collect 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 decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unwarranted 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Total Comfort to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is 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 back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Total Comfort experts are well-equipped 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 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 drastic measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set 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, often allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Total Comfort to see if either of these options will work for you.
Review Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, 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, Total Comfort 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 book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Total Comfort in Franklin Lakes is all set to guide you. Contact us at 201-268-5663 or schedule an appointment online.