We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to accomplish this 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, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older 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 like the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Air Service Co. can handle professional services including furnace installation in Muldrow.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Air Service Co. for air conditioning installation in Muldrow.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading 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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.
