We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust 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 assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than models sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can handle professional services like furnace installation in Lake Forest.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid 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 needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, 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 measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Lake Forest.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.