We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in 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 changes.
1. Install 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 several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for 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 capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like JTech Mechanical can offer professional services such as furnace installation in .
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established 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 intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like JTech Mechanical for air conditioning installation in .
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient 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 effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.