Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Alliance, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to decrease your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could be the culprit behind nearly half of the energy you use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are several ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to upholding your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your space. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Reach out to Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. During spring, have an HVAC professional review your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Routine maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces professionals are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer your home’s temperature is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a possibility your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces in Alliance is all set to guide you. Call us at 308-321-4703 or schedule an appointment online.