We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

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

The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to 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 watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.  

If you’re wanting to know how to get a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available to you. 

2. Routine HVAC Maintenance 

Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance can result in 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 necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one in the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of cold weather. 

3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more energy efficient than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning can handle professional services like furnace installation in Seymour.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it can be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Seymour. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Some air filters are far more successful than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

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 worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the right one for your system.