We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor flaws before they produce 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 can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Bain Heating & Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Heflin.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Bain Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Heflin.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.
