We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you 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. Look for 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 contains several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily pull 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 based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep 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 lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Smyth Air Conditioning can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Lake Worth.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can 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 equipment is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort 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, which means the equipment satisfies strict guidelines established 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 energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Smyth Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Lake Worth.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.