When it gets cold outside in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s harder to watch your energy habits. You always want to remain comfortable, and sometimes you’ll do it with little care for efficiency or your budget. However, spring is a milder time of year, making it the perfect time to fix your energy habits. If you have bad energy habits, here are a few things to look for and change this spring.

Not Changing the Filter

One problem that homeowners consistently forget is changing their HVAC filter. The filter helps remove contaminants from the air, reducing indoor air pollution. However, filters are only efficient for 30 to 90 days, and after that, they can cause problems to your HVAC system. By replacing them, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, cutting down on energy usage, maintenance, and repairs.

Leaving the Lights On

A common energy vampire is lights. When left on, they use energy and greatly increase your energy bill. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to amend the situation. If leaving lights on is the problem, call a family meeting to discuss the situation, or train yourself to turn lights off as you leave the room. You can also upgrade to LED light bulbs, which only use a fraction of the energy of incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Excessive Appliance Usage

Appliances are another source of energy waste, but it’s easier to curb usage than you think. For example, only use the washer, dryer, and dishwasher when you have a full load. If not, it’s better to wait until you have more to wash. In addition, the warm Florida spring allows you to hang clothes outside.

Breaking bad energy habits isn’t always easy, but if you take the necessary steps, you can save money throughout the year. If you follow these examples but your energy bills don’t change, it’s possible that there’s a bigger problem. If that’s the case, call Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating at (904) 574-5619 today.

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