We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Look for 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 comes with numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to adjust 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 enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to 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 even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications 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 available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, inadequate maintenance will sometimes result in 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 important components, and catch minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than equipment produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Parker County Cooling & Heating can handle professional services including furnace installation in Weatherford.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. Per 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 recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Parker County Cooling & Heating for air conditioning installation in Weatherford.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.