We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by improving energy efficiency throughout 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 more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, try 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 feature homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature determined by 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 learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might 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, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than models sold just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Contra Costa Heating & AC can perform professional services including furnace installation in The Bay Area.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could 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 HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Contra Costa Heating & AC for air conditioning installation in The Bay Area.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance of HVAC air filters is rated 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, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.
