We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Miller Climate Control LLC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Georgetown.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Miller Climate Control LLC for air conditioning installation in Georgetown.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.