During the coldest and hottest weeks in Sandpoint, your heating and cooling system is an essential 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 make up nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are many ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Replace 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, 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. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Call Age Heating & Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. Once it is 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 to your house again to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Age Heating & Cooling experts 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 not at home. The closer the house’s temp is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply 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 streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to set 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 adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Age Heating & Cooling to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Age Heating & Cooling can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Age Heating & Cooling in Sandpoint is prepared to guide you. Call us at 208-578-4258 or schedule an appointment online.