Through the coldest and hottest moments in Muskogee, 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 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 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 utility costs, 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 critical to keeping up 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 space. 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. Switching out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Reach out to Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s 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 cooler weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. experts are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as simple 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 extreme 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 away from the home.
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 regulates 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 Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Review 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, Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. is here to help. We’ll help you get to know 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 book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. in Muskogee is ready to guide you. Contact us at 918-682-8238 or schedule an appointment online.