We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust 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 functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even create monthly energy reports that illustrate 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 to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units produced just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Paniccia Heating & Cooling can perform professional services like furnace installation in Michigan City.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Paniccia Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Michigan City.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the ideal model for your system.