We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing 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 enhancements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like 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 comes with a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Booneville Heating & Cooling can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Booneville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Booneville Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Booneville.
4. Switch to More 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 successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
