4 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.

Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements.

1. Install a Smart Thermostat

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency.

The functionality homeowners like the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to cut costs.

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups

Regrettably, some 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.

During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.

We encourage two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and one during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.

3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment

Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems don’t last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than units produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Abilene Air-Tech Inc can perform professional services like furnace installation in Abilene.

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures 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 usually time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing 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 comfort 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, which means the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling systems.

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Abilene Air-Tech Inc for air conditioning installation in Abilene.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters

If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and a clean home.

The performance 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the best option for your system.