We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, prolong 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 one during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Dearing's Service & Solutions can handle professional services like furnace installation in Huntingburg.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you between 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 find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, 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 calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Dearing's Service & Solutions for air conditioning installation in Huntingburg.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated 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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.