We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below 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 control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set 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 offer the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. can perform professional services like furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and 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 sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is scored 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the ideal model for your system.