We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set 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 offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Central Heating & Plumbing can handle professional services such as furnace installation in New Castle.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing 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 buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, boasting 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 calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Central Heating & Plumbing for air conditioning installation in New Castle.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in 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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.