Through the coldest and hottest days in Mechanicsburg, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease 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 uses energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help collect 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Contact H & H Service Company to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s 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 to your house again to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. H & H Service Company technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill 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 crazy measures every day. 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 manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls 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 H & H Service Company to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the incorrect 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 come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, H & H Service Company can help you out. 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 book maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at H & H Service Company in Mechanicsburg is prepared to guide you. Contact us at 717-220-4502 or schedule an appointment online.