We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this 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, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning can offer professional services including furnace installation in West Valley City.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in West Valley City.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. 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 from 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient 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 installed. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.