Throughout the coldest and hottest moments in Des Moines, your heating and cooling system is a critical 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 be the culprit behind 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 utility bill, there are several ways—big and small—to manage how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Change Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to keeping up 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. Switching out your air filter regularly keeps your system from using an unnecessary amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every 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 Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is appropriate for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you depend on your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is key. While it’s spring, have an HVAC technician 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. Regular maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to operate exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling professionals are qualified to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Saving money on your energy bill can be as simple as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. The closer your home’s temperature 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 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 select a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically adjusts the temperature in your home to meet that temp. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, usually allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling to see if either of these options are a good fit for you.
Assess Your Equipment
Old HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. 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 good chance 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, Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can give give you a hand. We’ll help you understand different efficiency ratings and select a system that will work for your needs.
If you have more questions about monitoring your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling in Des Moines is prepared to guide you. Call us at 515-207-6569 or schedule an appointment online.