Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Mankato area, 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 account for nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are many ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system consumes energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your space. 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 routinely keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a 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 Northern Comfort Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. During 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 back to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Northern Comfort Inc technicians are qualified 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 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 each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Northern Comfort Inc to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a likelihood 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, Northern Comfort Inc is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Northern Comfort Inc in Mankato area is all set to guide you. Reach us at 507-387-6596 or schedule an appointment online.