We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your 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 a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try 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 like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by 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 understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working 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 lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Air Alliance Team can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Ballwin and St. Charles.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might 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 HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Air Alliance Team for air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.