Here's How to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes. 

 1. Try a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access 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 functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.  

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered. 

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, inadequate maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – one in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like County Line Mechanical LLC can perform professional services including furnace installation in Reinholds.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of premature equipment failures 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 almost always time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for 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 some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like County Line Mechanical LLC for air conditioning installation in Reinholds. 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

The efficiency 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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.