We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you 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 changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, think about 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 function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to use 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 permits 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 offer the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than units sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning can perform professional services like furnace installation in Pflugerville.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Pflugerville.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.