We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy 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 suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than equipment sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Central Heating & Plumbing can handle professional services such as furnace installation in New Castle.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 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 find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Central Heating & Plumbing for air conditioning installation in New Castle.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
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 effective the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.