We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Read on to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial 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 improve your home's energy efficiency.
The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We recommend two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of winter weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than equipment produced just over a decade ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Brandywine Heating & Air can handle professional services like furnace installation in Wilmington.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. As reported by 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 recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made 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 used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Brandywine Heating & Air for air conditioning installation in Wilmington.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.