We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, ignoring maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce 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 in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Comfort Zone, LLC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning 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 on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Comfort Zone, LLC for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The effectiveness 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 effective 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 buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.