Throughout the coldest and hottest weeks in Columbus, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to reduce your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could be the culprit behind nearly half of your energy usage.
That big 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 several ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up 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 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 lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary 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 around dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Call Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional inspect 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 winter weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling professionals are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (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 yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, 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, Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about managing your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling in Columbus is all set to guide you. Contact us at 614-451-0846 or schedule an appointment online.