We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than units produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Comfort Zone, LLC can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Cape Coral.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Comfort Zone, LLC for air conditioning installation in Cape Coral.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.