We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to 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. Look for 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 improve your home’s energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’ve used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Appalachian Heating can perform professional services including furnace installation in Beckley.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is 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 air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Appalachian Heating for air conditioning installation in Beckley.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 effective 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 read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the best option for your system.
