During the coldest and hottest days in Moline, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your home. 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 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 each month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Reach out to J.L. Brady Company LLC to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. While it’s spring, have an HVAC technician 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 cooler weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. J.L. Brady Company LLC technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. 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 each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments on your own 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, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with J.L. Brady Company LLC 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 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, J.L. Brady Company LLC can give give you a hand. 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 watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at J.L. Brady Company LLC in Moline is all set to guide you. Contact us at 309-517-7511 or schedule an appointment online.