We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous 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 through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature based on 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 adjustments. They also generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor flaws before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Air Temperature Control can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Macon.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to prevent untimely 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 the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Air Temperature Control for air conditioning installation in Macon.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.