We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your 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 an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider 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 capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out 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, a lack of maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working 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 contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Air Service Co. can perform professional services like furnace installation in Muldrow.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing 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 comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used 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 Air Service Co. for air conditioning installation in Muldrow.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, leading 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.