We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading 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 adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor issues before they produce 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 could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than equipment produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Wallpe Heating & Cooling can handle professional services like furnace installation in Greensburg.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies 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 measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Wallpe Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Greensburg.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
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 worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.