Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Manassas, your heating and cooling system is an important 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 your energy usage.
That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting your energy habits. Whether you’re looking to shrink your carbon footprint or want to lower your energy bill, there are several 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 important to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help collect a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and prevent them from polluting your home. 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. Switching out your air filter routinely keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters each month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is subject to dusty conditions, or you have pets at your home. Contact Woody's Sudden Service Inc to find out what frequency of filter change is correct 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 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 cold weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was supposed to—with peak efficiency. Woody's Sudden Service Inc professionals are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs 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 every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (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 streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to determine a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically controls the temperature in your home to match it. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to set the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Talk with Woody's Sudden Service Inc to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden 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 offer, 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, Woody's Sudden Service Inc is here to help. We’ll help you get to know different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.
If you have additional questions about managing your energy costs, need to schedule maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Woody's Sudden Service Inc in Manassas is all set to guide you. Contact us at 703-278-2036 or schedule an appointment online.