4 Ways to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. An easy way to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, 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 enhancements. 

 1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

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

The feature homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 feature the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.  

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

2. Routine HVAC Maintenance 

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

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should evaluate your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and catch minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We recommend two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather. 

3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than units produced just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC can handle professional services like furnace installation in Croydon.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your systems are within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them early to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 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, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Indoor Comfort Systems HVAC for air conditioning installation in Croydon. 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home. 

The efficiency of HVAC air filters is scored 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, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.