We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 have the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, prolong 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 another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Troy.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc for air conditioning installation in Troy.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.