We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your 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 a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.
Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance can produce 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 problems before they create 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 will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs.
We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like AZ Air Conditioning and Heating can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Los Angeles.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system.
A professional heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, featuring 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 energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like AZ Air Conditioning and Heating for air conditioning installation in Los Angeles.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment.
The efficiency of HVAC air filters is rated 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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct 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 ideal model for your system.