We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule 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 also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than models sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like The Frazier Company can offer professional services like furnace installation in Omaha.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like The Frazier Company for air conditioning installation in Omaha.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Some 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.
