How You Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Install Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and access it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains several features to assist with energy efficiency. 

The function homeowners enjoy the most is having the capability to control their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.  

If you’re wondering how to get a free smart thermostat, check with 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 

Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance can lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and inevitably need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like May's Heating & Air can perform professional services like furnace installation in Frederick.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine 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 rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like May's Heating & Air for air conditioning installation in Frederick. 

 4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

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