We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues 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 can help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Refrigeration Systems Ltd. can perform professional services like furnace installation in Richmond.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Refrigeration Systems Ltd. for air conditioning installation in Richmond.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking 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 a clean home.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much according to 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.