We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the simplest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install 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 includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce your energy bills, expand 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 another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Connolly Electric & Mechanical can perform professional services like furnace installation in Cottonwood & Prescott.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. 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 recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, boasting 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 cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Connolly Electric & Mechanical for air conditioning installation in Cottonwood & Prescott.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.