We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule 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 capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wanting to know 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
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Air Temperature Control can perform professional services like furnace installation in Macon.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 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 could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine 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 satisfies rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, 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 quantify the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Air Temperature Control for air conditioning installation in Macon.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.