We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout 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.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 have the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than units produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can offer professional services including furnace installation in Oxford.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid 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 it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could 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 HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc for air conditioning installation in Oxford.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.