We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading 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 improvements. 

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, try 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 feature homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature based on 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 can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.  

If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered. 

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than units sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Central Heating & Plumbing can handle professional services including furnace installation in .  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional HVAC 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 fulfills firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Central Heating & Plumbing for air conditioning installation in . 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

The efficiency of HVAC air filters is rated 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 actually obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.