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You probably haven't given much thought yet to air conditioning, but before you know it, you'll be turning down that thermostat. Here's the question, though: Have you had your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system checked this spring?
According to EnergyStar, about half the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling, and that can translate into lower bills. Here are two things you can do to make sure your system is running efficiently without wasting your money.
* Change your filters regularly. If you have a multi-zone system, there will be a filter on each of the heat pumps. If you have window units, each one will have a filter. The filter traps dust particles in the air. The more you use your system, the more air flows through it. As the filter becomes clogged with dust, the harder your air conditioning unit has to work. That means two things: it's costing you more money and your filter cannot remove dust from the air properly leading to potential expensive repairs down the road.
* Tune up your HVAC equipment at least once a year. The service company will give your system a thorough checkup. If your equipment is more than 10 years old, or it's not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by an HVAC contractor. Make sure he checks for air leaks in the duct system as well as in the house. If you need an upgrade, consider investing in an EnergyStar unit for even greater savings on your energy bills.
When was the last time you changed your HVAC filters?
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