We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they lead to 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 could also help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Central Air LLC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Brookfield.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back 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. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies rigid 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 used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Central Air LLC for air conditioning installation in Brookfield.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When 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, 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 from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.