How You Can Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

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

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

 1. Install Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with several 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 by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature based on the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.  

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget to keep their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, inadequate maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor flaws 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 can help with your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, local HVAC companies like Air Concepts of Middle Georgia can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, boasting 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 calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Air Concepts of Middle Georgia for air conditioning installation in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the best option for your system.