We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more 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 contains a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for 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 corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, 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 is going to 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 used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like E.B. Air, LLC can handle professional services including furnace installation in East Bernard.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like E.B. Air, LLC for air conditioning installation in East Bernard.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated 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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.