We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
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 available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend 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
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Cooler Tymes LLC can offer professional services such as furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you approximately 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 identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Cooler Tymes LLC for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency 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 effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.