We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to 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 capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even create monthly energy reports that illustrate 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, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend 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 Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like 249 Air can offer professional services including furnace installation in Houston.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like 249 Air for air conditioning installation in Houston.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.