We can all benefit from saving a few bucks here and there. One of the easiest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, resulting in 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 enhancements. 

 1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

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

The functionality homeowners like the most is having the capability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want through their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to change your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Just 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 cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They also create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.  

If you’re wanting to know how to secure a free smart thermostat, check with your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available. 

2. Routine HVAC Maintenance 

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

During an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician is going to evaluate your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This will reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and eventually need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can offer professional services including furnace installation in Greater Richmond.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you approximately 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 identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market, 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.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for air conditioning installation in Greater Richmond. 

 4. Look for Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

The performance of HVAC air filters is scored 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 obstruct airflow too much based on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the ideal model for your system.