4 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home Comfort System
Make a New Year’s resolution you can keep by ensuring your home comfort system works efficiently next year. Maintaining your home comfort system may not always be at the top of your priority list when Jan. 1 rolls around, but by taking a few simple steps, you can save yourself trouble and money, and have a system that works for years to come.
Here are four easy heating and cooling resolutions you can make for the new year:
Schedule Routine Maintenance Now
Schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system at least once every year, and preferably twice. Routine check-ups will help guarantee that small problems don’t lead to bigger, more expensive problems. Also, the removal of dirt, leaves, lint and any other debris from your system during maintenance will help keep it running at optimal efficiency all year long.
Clean Your Ducts When Needed
Have your ducts cleaned at least every three to five years, and more frequently if you have pets. You should also have your ducts cleaned if you’ve recently purchased your home or completed a remodeling project. Even though they’re not as visible as your heating and air conditioning unit, ducts are an extremely important component of your home comfort system. Not only do clean ducts keep your system running at optimal efficiency, they keep the air flowing throughout your home clean and free of allergens.
Learn more about the importance of duct cleaning.
Change your Filters Regularly
You should change your air filter at least every three months. However, you’ll keep your home comfort system running at optimal efficiency if you change the air filter every month, especially if you have pets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your home comfort system’s energy consumption by as much as 15 percent by routinely changing your air filters.
It’s easy to forget to change your air filters, so remind yourself by setting an alarm on your phone, or changing your filter every time you pay your mortgage. Stick to your commitment by purchasing a multi-pack of filters, rather than one at a time.
Adjust your Thermostat Daily
Small daily adjustments to your thermostat, both while you’re at home and while you’re away, could ultimately mean big savings when you receive your utility bill. For example, if you like the temperature at 72 degrees, consider setting the air conditioning to 74 degrees in the summer, and the heat to 70 degrees in the winter. It won’t be as awful as you think. When you’re away for the average nine-hour work day, turning back your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees could save you as much as 10 percent on your energy bills.
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to save, consider a Wi-Fi or programmable thermostat. They will allow you set your heating and cooling preferences to match your schedule, or control your thermostat while you’re away from home, and could lead to even greater savings.
By committing to your home comfort system in the New Year, you’re committing to saving money in the long run. If you need help with your home comfort system, want to learn more about our Total Comfort Service Program, or you have any other questions, contact Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning at (850) 580-4029 in Florida or (229) 495-6599 in Georgia, or contact us online.
