We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in 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 savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try 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 functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 have the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than models produced just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can handle professional services like furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes 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 comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is scored 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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.