We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable 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 adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule 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 capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in 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 contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. can perform professional services including furnace installation in West Jefferson.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back 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, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be 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, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for air conditioning installation in West Jefferson.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.