We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for 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 contains a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make any needed 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 cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor flaws before they produce 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 could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Mobile.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. According to 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 recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for air conditioning installation in Mobile.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.