Here's How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving money where we can. One of the simplest ways to do this is by making some energy-efficient changes throughout your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, 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. Use a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use an older thermostat and adjust it manually, consider 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 having the ability to control their smart thermostats from anywhere by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply take out your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Similar to a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule 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 watch your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient modifications. They can even create monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make modifications to save money.  

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

2. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

Unfortunately, many homeowners often forget to have their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this may not seem important, inadequate maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

When performing an HVAC maintenance service, the technician is going to examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This could also reduce your energy bills, prolong the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Getting rid of Your Aging, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Annoyingly, like every appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and eventually need to be replaced. Newer heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than equipment produced just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like I-Deal HVAC can handle professional services such as furnace installation in Albuquerque.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can last about 15-20 years. If the equipment is within that timeframe, it might be a good idea to replace them early to minimize the risk of untimely equipment failures that can leave you cold and uncomfortable if it’s a cold winter night. If your HVAC system is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s definitely time to replace the unit. 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 recoup some of the costs of putting in a new system. 

 A professional comfort technician can help you identify the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are 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, in the meantime, is used to measure the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like I-Deal HVAC for air conditioning installation in Albuquerque. 

 4. Use Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Specific air filters are far more effective than others, leading to lower energy bills and a cleaner home environment. 

The efficiency 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 efficient the filters are. It’s worthwhile to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact obstruct airflow too much according to the type of HVAC system you own. It’s important to review the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the ideal model for your system.