We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial 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 assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Kearney.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of premature equipment failure 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. 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 HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out 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 around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Kearney.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.