Through the coldest and hottest moments in Hodgenville, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 an ideal place to start changing 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 consumes energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to upholding 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 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Phelps Heating & Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. Once it is spring, have an HVAC expert 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 winter weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Phelps Heating & Cooling professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as easy 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 extreme measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to select 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, often allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Phelps Heating & Cooling to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer running 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 come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, Phelps Heating & Cooling can help you out. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Phelps Heating & Cooling in Hodgenville is all set to guide you. Call us at 270-358-3167 or schedule an appointment online.