We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 ability to learn 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 adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Brookwood Inc can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Newton.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually 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 installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be 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, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Brookwood Inc for air conditioning installation in Newton.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more effective 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.