We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply 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 feature the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could 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 examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating can handle professional services including furnace installation in Kankakee.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended 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 Home Furniture, Plumbing & Heating for air conditioning installation in Kankakee.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The performance of HVAC air filters is rated 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 worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the right one for your system.