During the coldest and hottest moments in Winnipeg, 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 reduce your energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, your HVAC system could be the culprit behind nearly half of the energy you use.
That hefty draw of energy makes your HVAC unit an ideal 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 plenty of ways—big and small—to adapt how your heating and cooling system uses energy.
Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters in your HVAC system are vital to keeping up 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 space. 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. Changing out your air filter consistently keeps your system from using an unwarranted amount of energy. Replace one-inch pleated filters every month. Remember, filters could need more frequent attention if your HVAC system is in constant use, is by dusty conditions, or you have pets inside. Reach out to Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning to find out what frequency of filter change is correct for your system.
Schedule Routine HVAC Service
If you want your HVAC system to work as efficiently as possible, routine maintenance is significant. During 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 return to check up on your furnace and make adjustments before the cooler weather sets in later. Consistent maintenance makes sure your equipment is ready to run exactly as it was planned to—with peak efficiency. Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning professionals are trained to help your system get back on track.
Switch Out Your Thermostat
Lowering that utility bill 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 drastic measures all the time. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends lowering or upping (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 streamlines the process. These thermostats allow you to determine 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 adjust the temperature wirelessly from almost anywhere. Chat with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning to see if either of these options will work for you.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Out-of-date HVAC equipment can be a burden on your energy bill during the year. Whether they’re no longer running efficiently, are the incorrect 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, Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. 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 choices, the team at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning in Winnipeg is ready to guide you. Reach us at 204-272-8128 or schedule an appointment online.