We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install 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 numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed 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 suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like B & B Heating & Cooling can perform professional services like furnace installation in Florissant.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might 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 equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. According to 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 get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning 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, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like B & B Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Florissant.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency 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 effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.