Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Bishop, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 account for nearly half of your energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are several ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to keeping up 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, 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. Replacing your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Reach out to Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s spring, have an HVAC professional review your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Routine maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning experts are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill 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 drastic measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by easily resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select 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 monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options will work for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, 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, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning in Bishop is ready to guide you. Reach us at 760-784-9034 or schedule an appointment online.