Here's How to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, try taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency. 

The function homeowners appreciate 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, if you forget to adjust your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to schedule your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also have the capability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

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

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Sadly, some homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a problem, inadequate maintenance can result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create 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 could also help with your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

We suggest two HVAC tune ups annually – one in the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather. 

3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling equipment is much more efficient than equipment manufactured just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, helpful HVAC companies like Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. can offer professional services like furnace installation in Muskogee.  

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

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems around, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Muskogee. 

 4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

The next time you’re searching 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 a cleaner home environment. 

The efficiency 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede 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 right one for your system.