We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, inadequate maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like AW Heating & Air Conditioning can perform professional services like furnace installation in Lincoln.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely breakdowns 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 definitely time to replace the unit. As reported by 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 putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify 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 meets strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, featuring 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 cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like AW Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Lincoln.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.