4 Ways to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do this is by identifying energy inefficiencies throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC equipment, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

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

The function homeowners like the most is having the capability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before taking a vacation, you can just use your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to pre-set 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 offer the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to cut costs.  

If you’re wondering how to obtain a free smart thermostat, talk to your utility company to learn if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats available. 

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Unfortunately, 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 will sometimes lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, your technician is going to inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and identify minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems functioning at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

We encourage two HVAC tune ups every year – one during the spring before summer and another during the fall before the arrival of frigid weather. 

3. Replacing Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than models manufactured just over a decade ago. Luckily, helpful HVAC companies like Total Assurance AC & Heating can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Corpus Christi.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recover some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. For the most part, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills strict guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is 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 equipment.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Total Assurance AC & Heating for air conditioning installation in Corpus Christi. 

 4. Use High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are created equally. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

The efficiency of HVAC air filters is rated 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 relevant to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can actually impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.