How You Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC 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 improvements. 

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

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

The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to schedule 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 offer the ability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.  

If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to find out if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you. 

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Strine's can perform professional services like furnace installation in York.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment satisfies strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Strine's for air conditioning installation in York. 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the right one for your system.