We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate 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 see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, inadequate maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Dave's Diversified Services can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Front Royal.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort 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, meaning the equipment meets firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, boasting 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 quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Dave's Diversified Services for air conditioning installation in Front Royal.
4. Look for 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 efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The effectiveness 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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.