We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, consider 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 feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using 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 pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at 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 contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Bell Air Conditioning Inc can offer professional services like furnace installation in Temple/Belton.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning 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, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Bell Air Conditioning Inc for air conditioning installation in Temple/Belton.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The effectiveness 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.