Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Zelienople, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of your energy usage.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every 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. Reach out to Knoechel Heating Company to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. While it’s 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Knoechel Heating Company experts are well-equipped 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 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 crazy measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments on your own 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 match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Knoechel Heating Company to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a likelihood 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, Knoechel Heating 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 watching your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Knoechel Heating Company in Zelienople is ready to guide you. Contact us at 724-425-5852 or schedule an appointment online.