We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wanting to know 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
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can offer professional services including furnace installation in Pella.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes 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 determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating for air conditioning installation in Pella.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the ideal model for your system.