Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Beckley and Mount Hope, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 the energy you use.
That big 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 energy bill, 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 critical 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 space. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Appalachian Heating 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 a must. 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 back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Appalachian Heating technicians are trained 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 away. 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 all the time. 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 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 meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Appalachian Heating to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain 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 have, there’s a likelihood 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, Appalachian Heating can help you out. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about managing your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Appalachian Heating in Beckley and Mount Hope is ready to guide you. Contact us at 304-707-0600 or schedule an appointment online.