We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this 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, leading to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.  

Read on to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements. 

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

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

The feature homeowners like the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before going on vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule 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 capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.  

If you’re wondering how to secure a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered. 

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Unfortunately, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

We encourage two HVAC tune ups each 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 

Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like AC Sales can perform professional services including furnace installation in Lafayette.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them early to avoid premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 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 on the market. As a general rule of thumb, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment meets strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring 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 quantify the energy efficiency of cooling systems.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like AC Sales for air conditioning installation in Lafayette. 

 4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a clean home. 

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 effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.