We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
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 includes a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by 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 learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than equipment sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like US Air Heating and Cooling can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Rock Hill.
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 now to minimize the risk of premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and 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 save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, 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 air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like US Air Heating and Cooling for air conditioning installation in Rock Hill.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness 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 effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.