We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so 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 enhancements.
1. Try Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat
If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes several features to make your home more energy efficient.
The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, ignoring maintenance can 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 pinpoint minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can offer professional services like furnace installation in Northridge.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended 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 systems.
Call a reputable HVAC provider like Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating for air conditioning installation in Northridge.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness 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 effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the best option for your system.
