Through the coldest and hottest moments in Des Moines, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. On the other hand, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to decrease your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could account for nearly half of your household’s energy 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 many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help catch a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your house. 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 decrease 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 once a month. Remember, filters might need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Call Heartland Heating & Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Timely HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. While it’s spring, have an HVAC professional assess 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 cooler weather sets in later. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Heartland Heating & Cooling experts are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill can be as simple 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 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 not at the house.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates 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 Heartland Heating & Cooling to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer operating 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, Heartland Heating & Cooling can help you out. 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 schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at Heartland Heating & Cooling in Des Moines is prepared to guide you. Contact us at 515-344-3579 or schedule an appointment online.