We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the simplest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Look for a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used 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 again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Solar Air Inc. can offer professional services like furnace installation in Fort Lauderdale.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Solar Air Inc. for air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more successful 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the right one for your system.
