We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try 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 contains several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor flaws before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Durable Service can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Holdrege.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Durable Service for air conditioning installation in Holdrege.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient 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 obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
