Throughout the coldest and hottest days in Cambridge, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to keeping up 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 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 lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact Pliescott HVAC Services LLC to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is 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 come to your house again to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Pliescott HVAC Services LLC experts are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as simple 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 crazy measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to set 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 monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Pliescott HVAC Services LLC to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill every 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 possibility 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, Pliescott HVAC Services LLC 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 other questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Pliescott HVAC Services LLC in Cambridge is ready to guide you. Call us at 410-228-4822 or schedule an appointment online.