We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below 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 access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set 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 offer the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know 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.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, ignoring maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Miller Climate Control LLC can offer professional services including furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to 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 heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are 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 measure the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Miller Climate Control LLC for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The effectiveness 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 actually restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.
