How You Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in 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 Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try 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 function homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

If you’re wanting to know how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available. 

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, inadequate maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like Ameri-Tec can handle professional services like furnace installation in Narvon.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. 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 find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Ameri-Tec for air conditioning installation in Narvon. 

 4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

The performance 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 effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the ideal model for your system.