We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system 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 read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set 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 feature the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring 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 important components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce 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 can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Ambient Air can perform professional services including furnace installation in Tucson.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Ambient Air for air conditioning installation in Tucson.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.