We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Look for 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 a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor flaws before they produce 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 can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Home Comfort Heating & Air can perform professional services like furnace installation in Elk River.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your system is 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 approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Home Comfort Heating & Air for air conditioning installation in Elk River.
4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
