We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to 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. Use 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 comes with several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set 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 ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to reduce 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.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will examine your HVAC system, clean important 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 can lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Luikart Heating & Cooling can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Newark.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Luikart Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Newark.
4. Look for 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 successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home.
The effectiveness 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 sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the best option for your system.