During the coldest and hottest days in Erie, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 be the culprit behind nearly half of your energy usage.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease 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.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding 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, 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. Switching out your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact Patterson & Stirling Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to run 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 back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Patterson & Stirling Inc professionals 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 gone. The closer your home’s temperature 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 increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments yourself 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, often allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Patterson & Stirling Inc 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 every month. 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 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, Patterson & Stirling Inc can help you out. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about managing your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Patterson & Stirling Inc in Erie is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 814-308-0416 or schedule an appointment online.