How Can I Manage My Energy Costs?

January 24, 2019

Through the coldest and hottest days in Naples, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system uses energy.

Replace Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your space. 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. Replacing your air filter regularly 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. Call CNR Air Conditioning Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.

Schedule Timely HVAC Service

If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. While it’s spring, have an HVAC professional 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. CNR Air Conditioning Inc technicians are qualified to help your system get back on track.

Switch Out Your Thermostat

Reducing those energy costs can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 drastic measures each day. 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 not at the house.

You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with CNR Air Conditioning Inc to see if either of these options will work for you.

Assess Your Equipment

Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, 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, CNR Air Conditioning Inc is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.

If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at CNR Air Conditioning Inc in Naples is all set to guide you. Reach us at 239-241-5318 or schedule an appointment online.