We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

Continue below to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes. 

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

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

The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere through their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They also generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.  

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, inadequate maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than units manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like H & H Service Company can perform professional services including furnace installation in .  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them now to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. As reported by 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 heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like H & H Service Company for air conditioning installation in . 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more successful 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.