We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try Smart Home Products Like 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 several features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes 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 available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor issues before they produce 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 reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Everest Heating & Cooling can offer professional services including furnace installation in Lansing.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 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 prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. 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 get back 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 available. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often 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 calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Everest Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Lansing.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind 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 cleaner home environment.
The efficiency 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 actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the ideal model for your system.
