We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in 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, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like House of Heating Incorporated can offer professional services including furnace installation in Marshfield.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover 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 for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like House of Heating Incorporated for air conditioning installation in Marshfield.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember 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 effectiveness 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 worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.