We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than units sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like AW Heating & Air Conditioning can handle professional services like furnace installation in Lincoln.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can 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 comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like AW Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Lincoln.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.
