During the coldest and hottest days in Siloam Springs, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. However, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to lower your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could make up nearly half of your energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start changing your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility costs, there are several ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to maintaining 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, more than just your air quality suffers when your filters are full of debris. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can lower air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Reach out to Siloam Springs Heating & AC 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 work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. Once it is spring, have an HVAC technician 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 winter weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Siloam Springs Heating & AC technicians are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 every day. 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 not at the house.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to determine 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, often allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Siloam Springs Heating & AC to see if either of these options will work for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the inappropriate size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems have, there’s a good chance 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, Siloam Springs Heating & AC 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 arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Siloam Springs Heating & AC in Siloam Springs is ready to guide you. Contact us at 479-308-8176 or schedule an appointment online.