We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. An easy way to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues 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 could also reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Heartland Heating & Cooling can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Des Moines.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them early to prevent untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, offering 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 measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Heartland Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Des Moines.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.