We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on 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 comes with numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Solar Air Inc. can offer professional services like furnace installation in Fort Lauderdale.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that 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 sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates 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 Solar Air Inc. for air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The efficiency 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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.