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 adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to read 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, think about 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 feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, inadequate 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 is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will 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 during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Mayeuxs AC & Heating can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. As reported by 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 recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Mayeuxs AC & Heating for air conditioning installation in Norco and St. Charles Parish.
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. Some air filters are far more effective 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 worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the best option for your system.