We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Total Comfort can perform professional services including furnace installation in Franklin Lakes.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Total Comfort for air conditioning installation in Franklin Lakes.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated 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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.