We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you 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 enhancements.
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 comes with numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature determined by 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 watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might 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 evaluate your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like MPC Heating & Cooling can offer professional services such as furnace installation in Chadron.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s 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. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are 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, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like MPC Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Chadron.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific 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 illustrated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.