We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try 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 numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with 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 to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Fire & Ice HVAC can offer professional services like furnace installation in Manassas.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended 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 Fire & Ice HVAC for air conditioning installation in Manassas.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.