We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Try Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try 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 enjoy the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. 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 wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Central Air LLC can perform professional services including furnace installation in Brookfield.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are 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 system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. According to 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 get back some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC 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 strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Central Air LLC for air conditioning installation in Brookfield.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.