When you live in Greensboro, North Carolina, you can find countless ways to decrease your carbon footprint. But where should you focus the majority of your energy-efficient efforts? Since your HVAC system accounts for almost half of your household energy use, this is the ideal place to start. From maintaining your HVAC system to adjusting the thermostat, read on to discover three ways to lower your household energy use this summer.
Adjust the Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to decrease household energy consumption is to adjust the thermostat. In the summer, the Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees, but you should only keep it at this temperature when your family is home and awake to enjoy the cooler air.
When you’re away from home for the day or asleep at night, increase the temperature 8 to 10 degrees. Investing in a smart thermostat and programming it correctly makes this process incredibly easy.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
At Charlie’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend that every HVAC system receive regular maintenance, no matter its age. Scheduling annual or semiannual HVAC maintenance ensures that your cooling system runs as efficiently as possible throughout the summer months. That means your air conditioner won’t waste energy, even on the hottest days of the season.
We typically recommend scheduling a tuneup at the beginning of the season so our team of technicians can spot potential problems before the heat waves pass through. But there’s never a wrong time for maintenance.
Consider an HVAC Upgrade
Sure, holding onto your ancient air conditioner means you’ll create less waste in the landfill. But using a cooling system that’s past its prime can contribute to substantial energy waste.
To keep your HVAC-related energy consumption as low as possible, consider replacing an air conditioner that’s more than 10 years old with a new one that features Energy Star certification.
Whether your HVAC system is due for an energy-efficient upgrade or you need to schedule a seasonal tuneup, we’re here to help. Call Charlie’s Heating & Cooling at (336) 629-5453 for all your HVAC needs.
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