Through the coldest and hottest weeks in Rapid City, 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 make up nearly half of the energy you use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit a good place to start adjusting 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 adapt how your heating and cooling system expends energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are critical to maintaining 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 home. However, dirty filters impact even more than the air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a dirty filter can reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Replacing your air filter regularly 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Reach out to Street Heating and Cooling to find out what frequency of filter change is right for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is a must. 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 run exactly as it was intended to—with peak efficiency. Street Heating and Cooling professionals are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Reducing those energy costs can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or not at home. The closer the house’s temp is to the conditions outside, the lower your energy bill can be. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll need to take drastic measures each day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or increasing (depending on the season) your temperature by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.
You could make these adjustments manually each day, but a programmable thermostat streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to select 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 Street Heating and Cooling to see if either of these options would be beneficial for your home.
Assess Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be an issue on your energy bill each month. Whether they’re no longer running 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, Street Heating and 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 more questions about watching your energy costs, need to book maintenance or want to discuss new system options, the team at Street Heating and Cooling in Rapid City is prepared to guide you. Reach us at 605-206-3915 or schedule an appointment online.