We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Air-Right Energy Design can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Manassas.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify 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 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, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Air-Right Energy Design for air conditioning installation in Manassas.
4. Look for 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. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance of HVAC air filters is rated 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, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.
