The start of a new year. How many goals and resolutions have you made?
Finances always seem to creep into the top three goals for a household. Saving more and spending wisely are always great goals to have. But it’s easy to get caught up in the big things when little changes can make a world of difference.
How long has it been since you’ve updated your HVAC equipment? Furnaces and air conditioners can easily last 10, 15, even up to 20 years in some cases, depending on the equipment. But the older your equipment gets, the less energy efficient the ratings will be. That means every time you operate your HVAC system, it costs more to run it.
How can that be?
Think of how hard your furnace works during the cold, winter months. In Colorado, it’s easy to have temperatures dip below zero for several days in a row. We also have one of the wildest temperature variations, thanks to living in the Front Range. How do you deal with temperatures in the 70s in the day, only to try and get comfortable as they dip down into the twenties and teens overnight? Your furnace plays catch up right along with it. On and off trying to keep up with the demands of your ever-changing home environment.
And as your furnace operates, little things begin to change. Parts wear out. Things rattle. Efficiencies change. And your utility bill starts showcasing those changes every month.
Have you noticed an unexpected spike in your bills? That could be your HVAC system telling you something is wrong. If you haven’t made unexpected changes to your lifestyle, it’s time to do a little research to find out where the culprit lies.
The first place to start is to ensure your bill reflects your meter readings. You can do this with a simple check of your meter and compare it to your statement. If you see a difference or have a question, you can call your utility company for more explanation.
You can also start listening to your furnace equipment. Do you hear subtle changes in sound? Does it make noises turning on or off? Does it operate longer than anticipated? Do you feel hot or cold spots throughout your home?
All can indicate you have a problem with your equipment. A yearly maintenance check can be a great place to start, especially if you haven’t had one for your system in a while. Like everything mechanical in your home, a maintenance check is designed to ensure the equipment is operating and in good condition, as well as make recommendations for improving performance.
Sometimes the best way to save is to ensure everything is working at optimum levels. Is your HVAC equipment working at its best? We can help you determine the answer and make suggestions for improving the efficiencies in your home.