We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. An easy way to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Look for a Smart Thermostat  

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

The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to cut costs.  

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

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Sadly, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, ignoring maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This will lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – once during the spring before summer and again in the fall before the arrival of frigid weather. 

3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like McFadden Heating & Cooling can perform professional services like furnace installation in Dresden.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, offering 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 calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like McFadden Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Dresden. 

 4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters 

The next time you’re searching for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system.