We can all benefit from saving money here and there. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Keep reading to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes.
1. Install 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 functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule 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 watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.
If you’re curious about how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – one during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can handle professional services like furnace installation in Des Moines.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. According to 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 get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Des Moines.
4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The performance 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the best option for your system.