We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, 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 changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wondering how to get 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 about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like CNR Air Conditioning Inc can offer professional services like furnace installation in Naples.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like CNR Air Conditioning Inc for air conditioning installation in Naples.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time 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, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is illustrated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.