We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, leading 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. Try Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than models sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Kilbourne Heating & AC can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Delray Beach.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time 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 about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be 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, meanwhile, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Kilbourne Heating & AC for air conditioning installation in Delray Beach.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.