We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the easiest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, think about 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 functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications to reduce costs.
If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. Routine HVAC Maintenance
Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once during the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Odessa.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it might 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 has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets rigid 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 quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Odessa.
4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters
When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The effectiveness of HVAC air filters is scored 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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.
