We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around 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 more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with 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, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can offer professional services like furnace installation in South Beloit and Belvidere.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. As reported by 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 identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines established 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 used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the best option for your system.
