We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial 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 make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability 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 adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Oxford.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc for air conditioning installation in Oxford.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, leading 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 from 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct 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 determine the right one for your system.