We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere 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 simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like 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 capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Phelps Heating & Cooling can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Hodgenville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Phelps Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the best option for your system.