Throughout the coldest and hottest days in Safford, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 account for nearly half of the energy you use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start changing 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 manage how your heating and cooling system consumes 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 stop them from polluting your space. However, when your filters become dirty, it isn’t just your air quality that is affected. 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 unnecessary 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Call B&D Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. During spring, have an HVAC professional review 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. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. B&D Air Conditioning experts are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. The closer your home’s temperature is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic 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 on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine 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, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with B&D Air Conditioning to see if either of these options will work for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. 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 possibility 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, B&D Air Conditioning can give give you a hand. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at B&D Air Conditioning in Safford is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 928-432-6018 or schedule an appointment online.