We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Arlington.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets firm guidelines set forth 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 used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Arlington.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. 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 rated 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.