We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust 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 appreciate the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, ignoring maintenance could 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 pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Moyer Total Indoor Comfort can perform professional services like furnace installation in Kutztown and Breinigsville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates 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 Moyer Total Indoor Comfort for air conditioning installation in Kutztown and Breinigsville.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is scored 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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much based 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.