We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like 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 includes several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set 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 feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than units produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Mountain Air can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Morgantown.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. 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 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 for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, boasting 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 measure the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Mountain Air for air conditioning installation in Morgantown.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.