Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Long Island, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 the energy you use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are several ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to upholding your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your house. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. 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 routinely keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Airmax Long Island Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate 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 inspect 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. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Airmax Long Island Inc experts are trained 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 drastic measures every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by easily 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 meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Airmax Long Island Inc to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a likelihood 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, Airmax Long Island Inc 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 other questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Airmax Long Island Inc in Long Island is ready to guide you. Contact us at 631-737-5566 or schedule an appointment online.