We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes in 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.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce 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 again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Holbrook.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them early 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 requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation for air conditioning installation in Holbrook.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.