We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners like the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning can offer professional services like furnace installation in Arlington.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that 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 recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made 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 measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Arlington.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the ideal model for your system.