We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to read 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, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set 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 have the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, 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 is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like A2Z Air Inc can offer professional services including furnace installation in Boynton Beach.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely 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 definitely time to replace it. 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 recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like A2Z Air Inc for air conditioning installation in Boynton Beach.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more successful 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the best option for your system.