We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 feature the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like J.L. Brady Company LLC can handle professional services including furnace installation in Moline.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. 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 get back some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like J.L. Brady Company LLC for air conditioning installation in Moline.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient 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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.
