Through the coldest and hottest weeks in New Castle, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are many ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important 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 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 decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a 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 Central Heating & Plumbing to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. During spring, have an HVAC expert 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Central Heating & Plumbing professionals 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 crazy measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (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 helps the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Central Heating & Plumbing to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Central Heating & Plumbing can help you out. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Central Heating & Plumbing in New Castle is prepared to guide you. Contact us at 724-401-1843 or schedule an appointment online.