How You Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Look for a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to make your home more energy efficient. 

The function homeowners like the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily pull 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 according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.  

If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you. 

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Regrettably, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – once in the spring before summer and another in the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models produced just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Air Masters Heating & Cooling can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Port Orchard.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Air Masters Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Port Orchard. 

 4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home. 

The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated 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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to find the ideal model for your system.