We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read 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 a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to get 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
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems 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 will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, 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 equipment sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning can offer professional services like furnace installation in Bishop.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by 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 putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures 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 Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Bishop.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home.
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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.