We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, contributing 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 improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, 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 could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units produced just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like JTech Mechanical can perform professional services including furnace installation in Magnolia.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like JTech Mechanical for air conditioning installation in Magnolia.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.