We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like 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, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor flaws 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 reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like County Line Mechanical LLC can perform professional services including furnace installation in Reinholds.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 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 if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with 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 searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.