We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you 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 improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, think about 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 enjoy the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with 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 like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like J.L. Brady Company LLC can perform professional services like furnace installation in Moline.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually 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 recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like J.L. Brady Company LLC for air conditioning installation in Moline.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, leading 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.