We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more 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, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Superior Comfort Systems can handle professional services including furnace installation in Hendersonville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify 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, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Superior Comfort Systems for air conditioning installation in Hendersonville.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 relevant 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 beneficial to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.
