Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in West Jefferson, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 make up nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to keeping up 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 home. 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every 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. Contact West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC technician assess your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come to your house again 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 supposed to—with peak efficiency. West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. experts are trained 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 away. The closer the temp in your house is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic measures every day. 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 not at the house.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a good chance your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve decided it’s time to look for a replacement system, West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can help you out. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. in West Jefferson is all set to guide you. Reach us at 614-879-9091 or schedule an appointment online.