We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 corrections. They even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to 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 can help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Stieferman Heating Company Inc can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Jefferson City.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely 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 system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could 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 heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Stieferman Heating Company Inc for air conditioning installation in Jefferson City.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the right one for your system.