Here's How to Improve Home Energy Efficiency

We can all benefit from saving money from time to time. One of the easiest ways to do this is by improving energy efficiency throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Look for Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and control it manually, think about taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which comes with a number of features to assist with energy efficiency. 

The functionality homeowners appreciate the most is having the ability to access their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For example, in situations where you forget to change your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits 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 feature the capability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to cut costs.  

If you’re wanting to know how to secure 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 

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

During an HVAC maintenance service, the technician should inspect your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor issues before they create bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means they use less energy to heat and cool your home. This could also lower your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Upgrading Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than models sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like ACE Solutions can offer professional services including furnace installation in Hasbrouck Heights.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last approximately 15-20 years. If your systems are within that period of time, it is often be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is around 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system could save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying 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, which means the equipment satisfies rigid guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are often some of the most efficient systems on the market, boasting both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, meanwhile, is used to calculate the efficiency of cooling systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like ACE Solutions for air conditioning installation in Hasbrouck Heights. 

 4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more efficient than others, resulting in lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

The performance of HVAC air filters is rated 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 actually restrict airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s beneficial to study the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.