We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create 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 could also lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Custom Air Systems Inc can handle professional services such as furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent premature equipment failure 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 it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting 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 quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Custom Air Systems Inc for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient 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 effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
