Here's How to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Look for a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, think about 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 appreciate the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 have the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.  

If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to 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 

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

With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Better Air can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Dundas and Northfield.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to prevent untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system. 

 A professional heating and cooling 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, indicating the equipment fulfills strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Better Air for air conditioning installation in Dundas and Northfield. 

 4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

The effectiveness 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the right one for your system.