Throughout the coldest and hottest weeks in Norco and St. Charles Parish, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 make up nearly half of the energy you use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink 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 consumes energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to maintaining 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, 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 routinely keeps your system from using an excessive 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Mayeuxs AC & Heating to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. While it’s 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 cold weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Mayeuxs AC & Heating professionals are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as stress-free 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 crazy measures all the time. 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 away from the home.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Mayeuxs AC & Heating to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, 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, Mayeuxs AC & Heating is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose 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 choices, the team at Mayeuxs AC & Heating in Norco and St. Charles Parish is ready to guide you. Contact us at (985) 764-2426 or schedule an appointment online.