We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to 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 corrections. They even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain 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 to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Siloam Springs Heating & AC can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Siloam Springs.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them early to avoid premature 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 needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes 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 comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Siloam Springs Heating & AC for air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.