ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

It’s no secret that you need a high-functioning air conditioner to make it through the hot Georgia summers. For several months of the year, you’ve got to have the air conditioning running 24 hours a day just to make the temperature inside your home bearable. However, this constant use of energy can result in high electric bills. There are several ways to avoid these expensive energy bills.

UPGRADING OR REPLACING YOUR AC UNIT

Most air conditioning units aren’t designed to last much longer than 10 years. Even then, many units have parts which will break down much sooner than that, and require regular maintenance. If your HVAC system is close to 10 years old, it might be time to replace the unit outright, although that comes with a large price tag. For systems that have only been around a few years, it might be time to consider upgrading. HVAC parts are continuously becoming more efficient, and a simple upgrade might boost your system to a level that’s more efficient, lowering your bills.

GET A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

Depending on your home’s HVAC system, it may or may not come with a programmable thermostat. Most are manually operated, meaning you have to personally adjust the temperature on the physical thermostat itself. Some systems which have been installed within the past 5-10 years may have some degree of programmability. It’s somewhat common for thermostats to have a timer. Additionally, many have features where you can program specific times and temperatures over the course of the day, that way you aren’t wasting energy when you aren’t home.

Above and beyond that, there are now thermostats that connect to your smartphone, meaning you can adjust the temperature from your home from any location. You can allow the house to warm up a bit while you’re at work, and then launch the air conditioning via your phone right before you get home. These programmable thermostats provide you with the most control over your air conditioner and use of electricity.

CLEAN AIR FILTERS AND DUCTS

When dust and dirt pile up in air ducts, it’s not only negative for the air quality. But, it can actually make your system run less efficiently and therefore increase your electric bill. Regularly cleaning out air ducts can have a surprising impact on the price you spend on utilities. Additionally, making sure that all air filters are regularly cleaned or replaced is crucial, because that way, your air conditioner isn’t constantly trying to force through dirty filters.

Because utility bills can be expensive in an area where it’s necessary to constantly run AC, it’s wise to contact an air conditioning repair service in Suwanee, GA, to make sure your HVAC doesn’t drive up your bills.