Through the coldest and hottest days in Cottonwood & Prescott, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 perfect place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, 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 vital to maintaining 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 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. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Connolly Electric & Mechanical to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular 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 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 cooler weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Connolly Electric & Mechanical technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as easy as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. 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 easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set 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 set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Connolly Electric & Mechanical to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a drain 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 provide, 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, Connolly Electric & Mechanical is here to help. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Connolly Electric & Mechanical in Cottonwood & Prescott is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 928-251-4327 or schedule an appointment online.