We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance can 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 inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups 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, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Cool Air Solutions can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Murrieta.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, boasting 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 quantify the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Cool Air Solutions for air conditioning installation in Murrieta.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency 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, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.