During the coldest and hottest moments in Derby, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of the energy you use.
That large 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 energy bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital 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, 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 decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC technician 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 cooler weather sets in later. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning technicians are qualified 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 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 drastic measures every 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 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 regulates the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning 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 operating 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about managing your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning in Derby is all set to guide you. Reach us at 203-772-8319 or schedule an appointment online.