We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance will sometimes result in 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 key components, and pinpoint minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Halverson Brothers Inc can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes 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 heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Halverson Brothers Inc for air conditioning installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated 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, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.