During the coldest and hottest days in Crystal and Twin Cities, your heating and cooling system is an essential 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 large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to upholding 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, 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. Replacing your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary 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 around dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Reach out to GV Heating & Air to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is spring, have an HVAC technician 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 run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. GV Heating & Air professionals are qualified 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 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 extreme 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 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, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with GV Heating & Air to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Review Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer working 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, GV Heating & Air is here to help. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at GV Heating & Air in Crystal and Twin Cities is all set to guide you. Call us at 763-535-2000 or schedule an appointment online.