We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set 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 ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can offer professional services like furnace installation in Columbus.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies strict guidelines set forth 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 intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling for air conditioning installation in Columbus.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency 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 effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.