Through the coldest and hottest days in Albuquerque, 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 reduce your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting 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 important to upholding 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 home. 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 unnecessary 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 around dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact I-Deal HVAC to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. During spring, have an HVAC expert assess 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 cold weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. I-Deal HVAC technicians are qualified 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 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 every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with I-Deal HVAC to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a good chance 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, I-Deal HVAC can give give you a hand. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at I-Deal HVAC in Albuquerque is ready to guide you. Contact us at 505-445-1250 or schedule an appointment online.