Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Arlington, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 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 decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help capture 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 consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning experts are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. 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 each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by easily 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 determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, 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, Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning 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 other questions about watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning in Arlington is prepared to guide you. Call us at 360-255-5857 or schedule an appointment online.