During the coldest and hottest weeks in Newark, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, 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 account for nearly half of the energy you use.
That big draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start changing 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 consumes energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are important 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, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. 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 excessive amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters may need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is around dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Reach out to Luikart Heating & Cooling 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 a must. Once it is spring, have an HVAC technician review 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. Regular maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Luikart Heating & Cooling experts are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. 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 upping (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or not at the house.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set 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, often allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Luikart Heating & Cooling to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the incorrect size for your home or lack the energy efficiency new systems provide, there’s a likelihood 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, Luikart Heating & Cooling 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 other questions about managing your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Luikart Heating & Cooling in Newark is ready to guide you. Call us at 740-200-5591 or schedule an appointment online.