Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Wisconsin Rapids, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 hefty 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent 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. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. During spring, have an HVAC professional inspect 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 cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc experts are trained 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 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 extreme measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by easily 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 set 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, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc to see if either of these options will work for you.
Review Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the wrong 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about watching your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc in Wisconsin Rapids is prepared to guide you. Call us at 715-301-0256 or schedule an appointment online.