Throughout the coldest and hottest days in York, your heating and cooling system is an important ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, 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 the energy you use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important to keeping up 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 space. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can decrease 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 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 Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you want 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 confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning technicians are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or gone. The closer the temp in your house is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take crazy measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (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 yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select 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, usually allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the wrong size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems offer, there’s a possibility 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, Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about managing your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning in York is prepared to guide you. Contact us at 717-383-4479 or schedule an appointment online.