Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Chelan and Wenatchee, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 the energy you use.
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 several 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 upholding your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your home. 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 lower 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 once a month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Lakeside Heating & Air to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. 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 winter weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Lakeside Heating & Air technicians 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 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 every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine 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 Lakeside Heating & Air to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade 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 provide, there’s a likelihood your system is costing you extra money if it’s more than 10 years old.
When you’ve decided it’s time to look for a replacement system, Lakeside Heating & Air 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 more questions about managing your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Lakeside Heating & Air in Chelan and Wenatchee is ready to guide you. Call us at 509-284-4265 or schedule an appointment online.