We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule 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 understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even generate 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 obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, increase 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 one in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like E.B. Air can handle professional services such as furnace installation in East Bernard.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like E.B. Air for air conditioning installation in East Bernard.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
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 according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.