How You Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

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

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

 1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to make your home more energy efficient. 

The feature homeowners like the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set 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 have the capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to reduce 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 

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 will sometimes 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 important components, and pinpoint minor problems before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Controlled Comfort HVAC can handle professional services including furnace installation in Carpentersville.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them early to prevent premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes 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 comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Controlled Comfort HVAC for air conditioning installation in Carpentersville. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

The efficiency 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 important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can actually obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the best option for your system.