Throughout the coldest and hottest days in West Valley City, your heating and cooling system is an essential ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, 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 account for nearly half of the energy you use.
That hefty 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 energy bill, there are several ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your home. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unwarranted 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 subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Call Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. While it’s spring, have an HVAC technician assess your air conditioner and clean its coils, check refrigerant levels, adjust system controls and more. In the fall, have them return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cold weather sets in later. Regular maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning professionals 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 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 extreme measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments yourself each day, but a programmable thermostat automates the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be a burden 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, Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning in West Valley City is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 801-305-4777 or schedule an appointment online.