Here's How to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest 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, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.  

Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home improvements. 

 1. Try a Smart Thermostat  

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

The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 feature the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.  

If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you. 

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Regrettably, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem important, a lack of maintenance could result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at 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 contribute to fewer repairs. 

We encourage two HVAC tune ups each year – once in the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather. 

3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more effective than units produced just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like B&D Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Safford.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like B&D Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Safford. 

 4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider 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 effectiveness of HVAC air filters is scored 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 important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the best option for your system.