January 24, 2019
During the coldest and hottest weeks in Franklin & South Indy, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 household’s energy use.
That big 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 adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your space. 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 decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Reach out to Winters Heating and Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate 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 technician review 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. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Winters Heating and Cooling professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as easy 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 every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by just 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 helps the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Winters Heating and Cooling to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. 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 good chance 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, Winters Heating and Cooling can give give you a hand. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about managing your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Winters Heating and Cooling in Franklin & South Indy is ready to guide you. Reach us at 317-406-5382 or schedule an appointment online.