We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable 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 an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than equipment produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Cooler Tymes LLC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Litchfield Park.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies 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 used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Cooler Tymes LLC for air conditioning installation in Litchfield Park.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.