We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do so is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like J & J Air Conditioning can perform professional services like furnace installation in Eastland.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you between 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 determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like J & J Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Eastland.
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 capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is scored 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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.