We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy 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 annually – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Covington Air Systems can perform professional services like furnace installation in Covington.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might 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 HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. 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 recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Covington Air Systems for air conditioning installation in Covington.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.