We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control 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 make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, ignoring maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Hodgenville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. 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 get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort 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 satisfies firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Hodgenville.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The performance 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.
