We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn 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, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several 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 with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Speedy Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Naples.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Speedy Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Naples.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.