We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Continue below 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 adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to make your home more energy efficient.
The feature homeowners appreciate the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by 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 watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, inadequate maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once in the spring before summer and another during 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 systems are much more energy efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Kilbourne Heating & AC can perform professional services including furnace installation in Delray Beach.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Kilbourne Heating & AC for air conditioning installation in Delray Beach.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.