Through the coldest and hottest days in Libertyville, 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of the energy you use.
That big 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your space. 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 lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary 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 inside. Reach out to TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional 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 winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 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 gone. 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 crazy measures every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat helps 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. Talk with TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain 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 possibility 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, TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can give give you a hand. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select 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 TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical in Libertyville is all set to guide you. Reach us at 847-362-0262 or schedule an appointment online.