How Can I Reduce My Energy Costs?

January 24, 2019

Through the coldest and hottest days in Kutztown and Breinigsville, your heating and cooling system is a critical ally in keeping your home comfortable. Unfortunately, it’s also your worst enemy when trying to reduce your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could be the culprit behind nearly half of your household’s energy use.

That large draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal 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 many ways—big and small—to direct how your heating and cooling system uses energy.

Replace Your Air Filters

The air filters in your HVAC system are important to maintaining your home’s air quality. They help capture a variety of debris—including dust, dirt and other small particles—and block 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 reduce air conditioner efficiency by up to 15 percent. Switching out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an excessive 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 by dusty conditions, or you have pets in the house. Call Moyer Total Indoor Comfort to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.

Schedule Regular HVAC Service

If you depend on your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. Once it is 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 return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance ensures your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Moyer Total Indoor Comfort technicians are well-equipped to help your system get back on track.

Switch Out Your Thermostat

Saving money on your energy bill can be as stress-free as adjusting the temperature in your home while you’re asleep or away. 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 crazy measures every day. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or raising (depending on the season) your temperature by just resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from the home.

You could make these adjustments on your own each day, but a programmable thermostat helps the process. These thermostats allow you to set a schedule for your HVAC system and automatically regulates the temperature in your home to reach that goal. A smart thermostat takes your control a step further, typically allowing you to monitor the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Consult with Moyer Total Indoor Comfort to see if either of these options will work for you.

Review Your Equipment

Older HVAC equipment can be a drain on your energy bill every month. Whether they’re no longer operating efficiently, are the incorrect 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 determined it’s time to look for a replacement system, Moyer Total Indoor Comfort can give give you a hand. We’ll help you recognize different efficiency ratings and pick a system that will work for your needs.

If you have more questions about managing your energy costs, need to arrange maintenance or want to discuss new system choices, the team at Moyer Total Indoor Comfort in Kutztown and Breinigsville is prepared to guide you. Call us at 484-646-3363 or schedule an appointment online.