How Can I Manage My Energy Costs?

January 24, 2019

Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Reinholds, 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 lower your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could make up nearly half of the energy you use.

That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a perfect place to start improving 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 direct how your heating and cooling system uses energy.

Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are important to upholding your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block them from polluting your space. 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 decrease air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an excessive 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 around dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Call County Line Mechanical LLC to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.

Schedule Timely 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 expert 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. Routine maintenance confirms your equipment is ready to work exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. County Line Mechanical LLC professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.

Switch Out Your Thermostat

Reducing those energy costs can be as easy 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 all the time. 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 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 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 County Line Mechanical LLC to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.

Review Your Equipment

Old HVAC equipment can be a drain 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 provide, there’s a possibility 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, County Line Mechanical LLC is here to help. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.

If you have additional questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system selections, the team at County Line Mechanical LLC in Reinholds is all set to guide you. Contact us at 717-216-0846 or schedule an appointment online.