We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower 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 access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to make your home more energy efficient.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily 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 heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Airmax Long Island Inc can handle professional services like furnace installation in Long Island.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Airmax Long Island Inc for air conditioning installation in Long Island.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important 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 worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the best option for your system.