We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this 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, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating 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 generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower 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 again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Western Mechanical, Inc. can offer professional services like furnace installation in Cache Valley.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Western Mechanical, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Cache Valley.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.