Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Carson City, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, 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 make up nearly half of your energy usage.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to upholding 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 space. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. 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 consistently keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Anderson Heating & A/C to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is spring, have an HVAC technician review 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 cooler weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Anderson Heating & A/C technicians are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as simple 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 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 streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Anderson Heating & A/C to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer running 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 decided it’s time to look for a replacement system, Anderson Heating & A/C can give give you a hand. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about managing your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Anderson Heating & A/C in Carson City is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 775-230-7628 or schedule an appointment online.