Throughout the coldest and hottest days in West Columbia, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 make up nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are many ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to upholding your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block 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. Switching out your air filter regularly 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Contact Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. During spring, have an HVAC expert inspect 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 makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as easy 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 increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. to see if either of these options will work for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the inappropriate 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, Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. is here to help. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. in West Columbia is all set to guide you. Reach us at 803-265-4208 or schedule an appointment online.