We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even 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, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, inadequate maintenance will sometimes lead to 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 catch minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Ambience HVAC, Inc. can perform professional services like furnace installation in Wilmington.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Ambience HVAC, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Wilmington.
4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.