We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning can perform professional services like furnace installation in Thedford.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you about 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 determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be 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, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Thedford.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the best option for your system.