We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn 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, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can handle professional services like furnace installation in Phoenix.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns 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 definitely time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, try to find 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 can be 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 quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc for air conditioning installation in Phoenix.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the right one for your system.