How You Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment 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 savings on your monthly energy bills.  

Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements. 

 1. Use a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency. 

The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like 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 cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available. 

2. Routine HVAC Maintenance 

Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

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

We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather. 

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

Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like B & B Heating & Cooling can perform professional services like furnace installation in Florissant and St. Charles.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, 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 if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended 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 and St. Charles. 

 4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home. 

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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.