We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 offer the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Moyer Total Indoor Comfort can perform professional services like furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Moyer Total Indoor Comfort for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in 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 effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.