Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Front Royal, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start improving your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to decrease your carbon footprint or want to lower your utility bill, there are plenty of ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your house. 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 consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call Dave's Diversified Services to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s 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 winter weather sets in later. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Dave's Diversified Services professionals are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as stress-free 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 drastic measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Dave's Diversified Services to see if either of these options will work 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 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, Dave's Diversified Services can give give you a hand. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Dave's Diversified Services in Front Royal is all set to guide you. Contact us at 540-636-3396 or schedule an appointment online.