We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on 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 adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
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 cooling or heating 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 illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes 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 available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, inadequate maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like A2Z Air Inc can perform professional services including furnace installation in Boynton Beach.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. Per 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 recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like A2Z Air Inc for air conditioning installation in Boynton Beach.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more effective 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 worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
