We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in 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 contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Farris Heating & Air can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Bartlesville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you between 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 determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Farris Heating & Air for air conditioning installation in Bartlesville.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 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 based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the ideal model for your system.