4 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies in your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and lower monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Install Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

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

The function homeowners like the most is being able to control 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 take out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Just 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 spending energy on an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the capacity to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you've used and when so you can make adjustments to save money.  

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

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

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

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean important components, and catch minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance can keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We recommend two HVAC tune ups each year – one during the spring before summer and again during the fall before the arrival of cold weather. 

3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Regretfully, like every appliance, HVAC systems don't last forever and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more effective than models produced just over a decade ago. Fortunately, local HVAC companies like Verona HVAC can handle professional services including furnace installation in Santa Clarita.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for around 15-20 years. If your system is within that period of time, it might be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of premature breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is around 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, getting 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 installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means 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, offering both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling systems.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like Verona HVAC for air conditioning installation in Santa Clarita. 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

When you’re looking for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are the same. Some air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

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 effective the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes impede airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before buying a filter to determine the right one for your system.