We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance can produce 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 problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling can perform professional services including furnace installation in Circleville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. 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 heating and cooling technician can help you identify 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 rigid guidelines made 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 used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling for air conditioning installation in Circleville.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The effectiveness 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.