We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so 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 heating and cooling system, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Look for a Smart Thermostat  

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

The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever with their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, when you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can simply pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to set up a schedule for 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 capacity to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even provide monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make changes to reduce costs.  

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

2. Routine HVAC Maintenance 

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

With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during the spring before summer and one in the fall before the arrival of winter weather. 

3. Replacing Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than units produced just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like ACS Heating and Air Conditioning can handle professional services including furnace installation in Tucker.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it can be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to avoid untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing 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 installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to calculate the efficiency of air conditioning systems.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like ACS Heating and Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Tucker. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider 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 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 relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s beneficial to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.