We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system 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.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 have the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Wyandotte.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back 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 available. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, featuring 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 efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Wyandotte.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
If 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 effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.
