Through the coldest and hottest moments in Mount Pleasant, your heating and cooling system is an essential 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 the energy you use.
That large 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 bill, there are many ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your house. 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Olde Towne Heating & Air to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to run 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 return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Olde Towne Heating & Air professionals are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill 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 increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Olde Towne Heating & Air to see if either of these options will work for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden 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 possibility 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, Olde Towne Heating & Air can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about watching your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Olde Towne Heating & Air in Mount Pleasant is all set to guide you. Reach us at 843-485-0967 or schedule an appointment online.