We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule 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 offer the ability 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 wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues 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 can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Assured Appliance & Heating & Air can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Genoa.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling 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 fulfills firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Assured Appliance & Heating & Air for air conditioning installation in Genoa.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home.
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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
