Many Florida families are facing financial hardship this summer. Yet, the Florida heat still requires the use of the AC to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Now is the perfect time to focus on ways to increase energy efficiency in your AC unit and save money on energy costs.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we serve clients in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding communities with top-quality HVAC service. We care about our clients and want to help you keep your AC unit working its best throughout the year.
Financial Savings Through AC Energy Efficiency
According to the EPA, around half of total household energy usage comes from heating and cooling. Over time that adds up to a lot of money. Thankfully, a focus on energy efficiency helps reduce energy costs.
HVAC Energy Efficiency Savings:
- Regularly replace the air filter to save up to 15% on energy usage
- Switch to a programmable thermostat is save $180 per year in energy costs
- Seal ducts for a 20% improvement in energy efficiency
- Install a new ENERGY STAR HVAC unit to save $115 per year on your energy bill
Overall, investing in energy-efficient AC strategies saves money by reducing energy costs and extending the life of your unit.
Ways to Improve AC Energy Efficiency
Change Air Filters
Routinely changing the air filter is one of the easiest ways to maintain your AC unit and improve energy efficiency. For best results, change the air filter every one to three months. If you have pets, smoke inside the home or have asthma or allergies, consider changing the air filter monthly.
The job of the air filter is to clean dirt, dust, debris, and other unwanted particles from the air before it passes into your home. A dirty air filter makes it harder for the air conditioning unit to move the air. Your unit uses more energy with clogged air filters.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to adjust the temperature in the home to create better energy management. For example, with a programmable thermostat, the temperature automatically adjusts based on the preprogrammed settings.
Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature during hours you are not in your home or during the night while you sleep. These subtle adjustments add up to big savings over the course of a year.
Seal and Clean Ducts
The air ducts in your HVAC unit transfer the cooled air into your home through the vents. However, air loss through the air ducts accounts for around 30% of wasted energy. Seal air ducts to stop waste and save money. More air enters your home to maintain the desired temperature without waste.
In addition, dirty air ducts lead to poorer air quality and energy inefficiency. Dirt and debris build up in the duct system. As the air pushes through your ventilation system, so do the unwanted particles, like mold, bacteria, dust, and more. Like with clogged air filters, the HVAC unit must work harder to move the air. Schedule air duct cleaning to improve energy efficiency and air quality.
Invest in a New AC Unit
If your current AC unit is older than 10 years, consider upgrading to a new ENERGY STAR model. New units have energy-saving technology that reduces utility costs. Plus, newer units don’t use Freon, which is better for the environment.
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, our team of highly-trained technicians helps homeowners select the right unit for them based on the size of their home and their budget. We carry a variety of brands and models and offer excellent installation service.
Schedule Repairs
When budgets are tight, it’s easy to delay AC repairs if your unit is still working. However, we’ve seen simple repairs, like a worn belt, lead to major damage. If a worn belt snaps and crashes into other delicate equipment, you then must address the new damage. Instead, take care of simple repairs to avoid unnecessary damage.
Even with bigger repairs, it’s best to resolve the issue. For example, if your unit has to run longer or more frequently to maintain the temperature, you are wasting energy. Instead of paying for higher energy bills, invest in repairs to fix the core problem.
Importance of Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance offers the best way to identify issues with your AC unit and improve energy efficiency. On the most basic level, preventive maintenance saves money by maintaining your manufacturer’s warranty. Most manufacturers’ warranties become void if you can’t show proof of annual maintenance.
Also, after your maintenance, the technician reviews any issues, including worn parts, and recommendations for repairs. This insight allows you to address repair issues before major damage or the inconvenience of a broken AC during the hottest months.
Overall, preventative maintenance provides a regularly scheduled cleaning and assessment of the AC unit to improve air quality, extend the life of your unit and produce increased energy efficiency.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Usage with AC Care
At J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing, we offer all the services you need to keep your AC in great shape. We provide installation, repair, duct cleaning, and preventative maintenance. Contact us today for a free estimate.
