We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so 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, contributing 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 changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily 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 according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
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.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce 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 could also reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can’t run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than models sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Air Houston Mechanical LLC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Huffman.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine 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 established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Air Houston Mechanical LLC for air conditioning installation in Huffman.
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. Some air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.
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