Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Omaha, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 account for nearly half of your household’s energy use.
That big 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.
Switch Out Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to upholding your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and stop them from polluting your house. 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. Changing out your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters once a 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. Contact The Frazier Company to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service
If you expect your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s spring, have an HVAC expert 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. Consistent maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. The Frazier Company professionals 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 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 raising (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or gone.
You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat automates 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 set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with The Frazier Company to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Review Your Equipment
Older HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer working efficiently, are the wrong 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, The Frazier Company can help you out. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and choose a system that will work for your needs.
If you have other questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at The Frazier Company in Omaha is ready to guide you. Call us at 402-628-0206 or schedule an appointment online.