Make Your Central Air System Energy Efficient
Green Light New Orleans is now offering up to three free air filter replacements for CFL applicants with central air and heating systems in their homes! Central air and heating systems are one of the worst energy-offenders especially during the summer and winter months when they are used more often. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to make your central air system more energy efficient, thus saving you money and lowering your carbon footprint!
While air conditioning equipment runs at peak efficiency when it runs for long periods, leaving the unit off and then cooling or heating to a comfortable temperature will use less electricity than cycling on and off for short periods to maintain a preferred temperature. If your unit takes too long to get back to a comfortable temperature, you can install a programmable thermostat to start heating or cooling an hour before you return. A properly programmed thermostat can reduce the energy used by your unit by 5-30 percent.*
Check your air filter every month, especially during summer and winter months. It is not unusual to change your air filter every month during those high-use months. If your filter looks dirty, change it! Central air filters should be changed at a minimum of every three months. Another good practice is to have a contractor tune up your system yearly by:
- Checking electrical connections: Faulty connections are unsafe and reduce the life of major components.
- Lubricate all moving parts: Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increase the amount of electricity you use.
- Inspect the condensate drain: A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.
- Check the evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils: Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to cool your home and causes the system to run longer.**
* Information provided by U.S. Department of Energy: Environmental Energy Technologies Division
** Information provided by Energy Star