Through the coldest and hottest moments in Troy, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, 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 account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your house. However, more than just your air quality suffers when your filters are full of debris. 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 consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Reach out to Edington Heating & Cooling Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is 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 cold weather sets in later. Routine maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Edington Heating & Cooling Inc professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. 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 crazy measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (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 yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Edington Heating & Cooling Inc to see if either of these options will work for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, there’s a possibility your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can help you out. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc in Troy is ready to guide you. Reach us at 937-558-9478 or schedule an appointment online.