We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you 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 a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, a lack of maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Myers Furnace Company can offer professional services like furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets strict guidelines made 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 for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Myers Furnace Company 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 the same. 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 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.