We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
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 contains a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like 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 cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will reduce 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 cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than models produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like I-Deal HVAC can perform professional services including furnace installation in Albuquerque.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live around 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 equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like I-Deal HVAC for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance 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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.