We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 have the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor issues before they lead to 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 could also reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can handle professional services like furnace installation in Pella.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring 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 calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating for air conditioning installation in Pella.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, leading 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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.
