We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Point Heating & Cooling can handle professional services like furnace installation in Plover.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. 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 recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Point Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Plover.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.