We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, think about 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 adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint 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 could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Clean Air HVAC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Pacheco.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to 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 determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Clean Air HVAC for air conditioning installation in Pacheco.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
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 effective 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 own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.