We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule 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 feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, inadequate maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can offer professional services such as furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing 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 heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, offering 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 efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The performance of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
