Reducing the amount of energy you use is being environmentally conscious
on one hand, but it can also save you money. When you have problems with
your home, appliances, or waste energy other ways, it costs you money.
Here’s how you can save energy by reducing your consumption and waste
when heating and cooling your home.

Heating & Cooling Efficiency

Everyone can grasp the common sense idea that turning off lights and other
appliances when they’re not in use is going to reduce energy consumption.
However, lights, fans, and other normal electrical appliances aren’t
usually the problem. These items use low amounts of energy, so it takes
an awful lot of waste to add up.

Turning off unused lights and other items that pull electrical current
will help save energy, but the most critical way to reduce your consumption
is through the efficient operation of your heating and cooling system.
Your HVAC system maintains a comfortable temperature in your home. It
has a tough job most months out of the year, but you can follow some principles
that will reduce the amount of energy used such as keeping your home insulated
and ensuring your system is working properly.

Regular Service

The number one way to help reduce the energy your HVAC system uses is to
keep it in excellent condition. There are things that happen in heating
and air conditioning units that you may not be aware of until you notice
your energy bill climbing.

Of course, it’s too late to recoup lost money after you’ve allowed
your system to run inefficiently for any period. The best way to know
your system is running efficiently is to have a working relationship with
an HVAC professional. When you have your system regularly checked by an
expert technician, you can be certain it’s running at peak efficiency.

The Little Things Help Too

Keeping your system operating at top efficiency is the most important way
to reduce its energy consumption. However, there are a few little things
you can do to help as well.

• Save a Degree, or Two – By raising the thermostat one degree in the
  summer, or dropping the heat setting one degree in the winter, you can
  save on energy. Two-degree adjustments will make an even greater reduction
  in your energy consumption. This not only saves you a few dollars, but
  also is an excellent way to help maintain good environmental consciousness.
• General Maintenance – If you know where your HVAC filter is, check
  it periodically and change it, or clean it. Your HVAC technician will
  do this every time they provide a service checkup, but it helps to check
  it between visits.

If your unit is located outside your home, take a look at it periodically
to make sure weeds and grass don’t become a problem, or limbs and
debris fall on the unit. A quick check of these things will take you a
few minutes, but can be very helpful in keeping your system running efficiently.

If you don’t already have a working relationship with an HVAC professional,
contact one now. For people who live in the Virginia Beach area, American
Mechanical handles HVAC systems, plus a lot more. We have the expertise
to keep you warm in the winter, and cool in the summer, with efficiency.

Call us today to schedule an appointment?