We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, inadequate maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than equipment sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Gilray Heating and Cooling can offer professional services like furnace installation in Wausau.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures 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 usually time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established 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 intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Gilray Heating and Cooling for air conditioning installation in Wausau.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.