We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.
Continue below to learn more about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements.
1. Install 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 includes numerous features to assist with energy efficiency.
The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from wherever through their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.
Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.
If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered.
2. HVAC Tune Ups
Sadly, many homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan.
With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs.
We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – one in the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather.
3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment
Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models produced just over a decade ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning can offer professional services including furnace installation in Winnipeg.
Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system.
A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets 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 used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.
Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Winnipeg.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters
The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air.
The performance 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 worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.