We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment 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 learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just use 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 offer the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. can offer professional services including furnace installation in Haines City.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting 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 installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, boasting 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 calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. for air conditioning installation in Haines City.
4. Use Energy-Efficient 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, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 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 impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.