Simple Hacks to Keep Heating and Cooling Systems Running

Our heating and cooling systems are something we seem to take for granted now. When the temperatures reach the triple digits or plunge down into the negatives, we often wonder how anyone could have survived without this modern commodity. Unless they break we don’t usually pay attention to their needs. Here’s what you need to know about your heating and cooling systems.

The Costs of Your Controlled Temperatures

Approximately 87%, which is around 100 million, homes in the United States have air conditioning. Collectively these heating and cooling systems account for 5% of our total energy usage, which calculates to $11 billion annually. Our controlled temperatures account for more than just our energy bill, however. Over 7,000 structure fires were caused by broken air conditioning units or fans. A few simple steps can prevent these fires from happening.

Simple Preventative Actions

Preventing fires and keeping your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently are all one in the same when it comes to regular maintenance. By scheduling yearly AC repair services you’ll ensure your home is kept comfortable and humidity free. Checking the filter every 30 days is a good rule of thumb. If it looks dirty, replace it, but if it’s relatively clean, you can keep using it for up to 90 days. By replacing dirty filters every few months with the most common form, disposable fiber glass filters, can lower your AC’s energy consumption by an average of 10%.

When to Service your Air Conditioner

If you’re part of the 20% of homes that have 20 year old heating and cooling systems, consider replacing them. By replacing these worn-out systems with energy efficient systems (that typically cost between $3,600 and $7,200), your bill can be reduced 20%. If your AC is newer, how do you know it’s time to call an air conditioner repair service? First off, do you have a programmable thermostat? If not, installing one can save you 10% on your heating bills in the winter! Do you have to refill your portable humidifiers more often than the recommended every three days? Your humidifier may be putting excess moisture into the air. If you don’t have a humidifier, yet you still have a lot of moisture, there’s something wrong with your system, be it the ducts or the entire system, and you should call a 24 hour ac repair service right away.

Accounting for 45% of most energy bills, temperature control is the largest energy expensive we have personally. Taking simple measures to decrease those costs can wind up saving your home from burning to the ground. Have you scheduled your air conditioner service appointment yet?