We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on 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 learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor issues before they lead to 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 help with your energy bills, expand 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 during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can perform professional services including furnace installation in Cambridge.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC for air conditioning installation in Cambridge.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is illustrated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the right one for your system.