We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.  

Keep reading to read about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements. 

 1. Try a Smart Thermostat  

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

The functionality homeowners like the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere they want with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.  

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem important, inadequate maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will help with your energy bills, increase 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 during the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more efficient than units produced just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Air Current AC & Heat can handle professional services including furnace installation in Houston.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional comfort technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling systems.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Air Current AC & Heat for air conditioning installation in Houston. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more successful than others, leading 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 between 1-20; the higher the number, the more effective the filters are. It’s important to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.