Throughout the coldest and hottest weeks in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 a perfect place to start adjusting 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 uses energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop 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 lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter routinely 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 subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Halverson Brothers Inc 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 operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is spring, have an HVAC professional 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. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Halverson Brothers Inc technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer your home’s temperature 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 raising (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Halverson Brothers Inc to see if either of these options will work for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate 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 come to the conclusion it’s time to look for a replacement system, Halverson Brothers Inc is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Halverson Brothers Inc in Menomonie and western Wisconsin is all set to guide you. Call us at 715-352-4052 or schedule an appointment online.