We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access 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 improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to 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 understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, inadequate 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 issues before they create 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 can reduce your energy bills, prolong 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 one in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like House of Heating Incorporated can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Marshfield.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the 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. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The efficiency 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 effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.