4 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks where we can. One of the simplest ways to do so is by improving energy efficiency around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Try a Smart Thermostat  

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

The feature homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. For example, when 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 allows you to pre-set 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 have the capacity to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They even create monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.  

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Regrettably, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance can produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor issues before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units sold just over a decade ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like Olde Towne Heating & Air can perform professional services including furnace installation in Mount Pleasant.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns 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 definitely time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you approximately 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, look for HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, boasting 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 measure the efficiency of cooling systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Olde Towne Heating & Air for air conditioning installation in Mount Pleasant. 

 4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re searching for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more effective than others, contributing to 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 efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.