We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, consider 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 like the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure 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
Sadly, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any 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 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Childress Heating & AC can handle professional services like furnace installation in Fredericksburg.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth 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 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.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Childress Heating & AC for air conditioning installation in Fredericksburg.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
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 worthwhile 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 worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.