We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for 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 have the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, check with 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 to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute 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. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than units produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Anderson Heating & A/C can offer professional services including furnace installation in Carson City.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns 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 definitely time to replace the system. Per 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 get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, 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 calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Anderson Heating & A/C for air conditioning installation in Carson City.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The effectiveness 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 sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.