Through the coldest and hottest moments in Rock Hill, 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 account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are several ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system uses 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 block 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. Changing out your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Contact US Air Heating and Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is correct 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 professional assess 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 cold weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. US Air Heating and Cooling professionals are trained 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 gone. 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 every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
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 reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with US Air Heating and Cooling to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working 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, US Air Heating and Cooling is here to help. 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 watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at US Air Heating and Cooling in Rock Hill is ready to guide you. Contact us at 803-220-0761 or schedule an appointment online.