We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.
Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Install Smart Home Products Like 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 includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set 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 offer the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Select Comfort Systems can offer professional services such as furnace installation in West Valley City.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent 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 definitely time to replace the system. Per 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 recover some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Select Comfort Systems for air conditioning installation in West Valley City.
4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time 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 clean home.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is scored by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.
