During the coldest and hottest weeks in Logan, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to lower your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your home. 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 routinely 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Western Mechanical, Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. During 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 intended to—with peak efficiency. Western Mechanical, Inc. technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. 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 extreme measures every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Western Mechanical, Inc. to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a likelihood 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, Western Mechanical, Inc. can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Western Mechanical, Inc. in Logan is prepared to guide you. Call us at 435-753-5515 or schedule an appointment online.