Here's How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.  

Continue below to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home enhancements. 

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial 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 access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not cooling or heating an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They also provide monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make adjustments to reduce costs.  

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this might not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance will sometimes result in a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor issues before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep 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, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Getting rid of Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models manufactured just over 10 years ago. Fortunately, helpful HVAC companies like B & G HVAC can handle professional services including furnace installation in Marshalltown.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them now to avoid premature equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace it. According to 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 heating and cooling technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. As a general rule of thumb, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets firm guidelines made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems available, featuring 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 measure the efficiency of cooling systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like B & G HVAC for air conditioning installation in Marshalltown. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are the same. Specific air filters are far more successful than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a clean home. 

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 effective the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you own. It’s worthwhile to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.