We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment 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 savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install 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 contains a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 have the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to 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 to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor flaws 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 will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. can perform professional services like furnace installation in Manassas.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 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 premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. Per 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 get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, offering 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 calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Manassas.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.