Through the coldest and hottest days in Pacheco, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 account for nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are many ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help catch 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary 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 at your home. Call Clean Air HVAC to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. During 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 winter weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Clean Air HVAC experts are trained 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 not at home. 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 each 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 gone.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, often allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Clean Air HVAC to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating 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, Clean Air HVAC can help you out. 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 options, the team at Clean Air HVAC in Pacheco is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 925-233-6238 or schedule an appointment online.