We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to accomplish this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which includes a number of features to assist with energy efficiency. 

The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’ve used and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

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

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Sadly, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor problems before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more energy efficient than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, quality HVAC companies like Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. can offer professional services like furnace installation in Sussex County.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional heating and cooling technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. for air conditioning installation in Sussex County. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home. 

The efficiency of HVAC air filters is illustrated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV rating. The MERV scale ranges from 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to find the ideal model for your system. 

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