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

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

 1. Try a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and control it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to assist with energy efficiency. 

The functionality homeowners enjoy the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to pre-set 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 feature the capability to watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

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 offered. 

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Unfortunately, some homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem like a huge deal, a lack of maintenance could produce a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

During an HVAC maintenance service, your technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and identify minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This can help with your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Replacing Your Old, 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 efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, quality HVAC companies like LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. can handle professional services like furnace installation in Shamokin and Sunbury.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them now to avoid untimely breakdowns 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 almost always time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system could save you between 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 find the most energy efficient HVAC system for your needs. For the most part, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is used for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, on the other hand, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Get in touch with a reputable HVAC provider like LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for air conditioning installation in Shamokin and Sunbury. 

 4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters 

When you’re searching for new HVAC filters, keep in mind that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more efficient than others, leading 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes restrict airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before buying a filter to find the best option for your system.