We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your 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 an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply 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 offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might 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 examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand 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 another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models produced just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Fairfield Heating & Cooling can offer professional services like furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs 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 approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Fairfield Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.
