During the coldest and hottest days in Bloomfield, 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 energy usage.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of 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 critical to upholding your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your house. 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 unnecessary 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 subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Stanford Heating & Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s spring, have an HVAC expert inspect your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them come back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Stanford Heating & Cooling technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. 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 just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
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 adjusts the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Stanford Heating & Cooling to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, 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, Stanford Heating & Cooling is here to help. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about managing your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Stanford Heating & Cooling in Bloomfield is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 812-825-8695 or schedule an appointment online.