We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below 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 access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to 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 provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they create 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 help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Integrity AC & Heating LLC can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Phoenix.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are 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 energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Integrity AC & Heating LLC for air conditioning installation in Phoenix.
4. Use 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 a clean home.
The performance of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.