How Can I Manage My Energy Costs?

January 24, 2019

Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in East Bernard, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, 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 account for nearly half of the energy you use.

That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are several ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system expends energy.

Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your space. 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. Switching out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted 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. Reach out to E.B. Air, LLC 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 work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. During 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 return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. E.B. Air, LLC experts are trained 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 gone. 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 all the time. 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 away from the home.

You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with E.B. Air, LLC to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.

Assess Your Equipment

Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, 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, E.B. Air, LLC can help you out. 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 schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at E.B. Air, LLC in East Bernard is all set to guide you. Call us at 979-335-4262 or schedule an appointment online.