We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
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 comes with several features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use 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 have the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
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 offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, ignoring maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Saint Louis.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to minimize the risk of premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. 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 determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating for air conditioning installation in Saint Louis.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is scored 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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.