We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below 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 adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 feature the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know 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. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Pepper AC & Heat can offer professional services including furnace installation in Justin.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering 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 energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Pepper AC & Heat for air conditioning installation in Justin.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.
