We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Pepper AC & Htg Inc can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Justin.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it can 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 system is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Pepper AC & Htg Inc for air conditioning installation in Justin.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance 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 actually obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.