Here's How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Try a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency. 

The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.  

If you’re curious about how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with 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 have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, ignoring maintenance will sometimes produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and identify minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Replacing Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Derby.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures 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 almost always time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover 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. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the energy efficiency of cooling systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Derby. 

 4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters 

The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

The performance 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.