Here's How to Help Increase Energy Efficiency at Home

We can all benefit from saving money where we can. An easy way to do so is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or installing a smart thermostat, for example, provides more control over your heating and cooling system, leading to a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Install a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and access it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to make your home more energy efficient. 

The function homeowners appreciate the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, in situations where you forget to adjust your thermostat before going on vacation, you can simply use your smartphone and make the adjustments.  

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat enables you to set up a schedule for your home’s temperature determined by the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also offer the ability to understand your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient adjustments. They can even create monthly energy reports that illustrate how much energy you are using and when so you can make modifications 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. Regularly Scheduled Tune-Ups for Your HVAC System 

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

With an HVAC maintenance service, a heating and cooling technician will examine your HVAC system, clean necessary components, and pinpoint minor problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repair issues. Tune ups keep HVAC systems running in optimal condition, which means less energy is used to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

We suggest two HVAC tune ups every year – once during 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 

Regretfully, like any appliance, HVAC systems have a shelf life and ultimately need to be replaced. New heaters and cooling systems are much more efficient than equipment sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like TopTec can offer professional services like furnace installation in Libertyville.  

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 now to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is approaching 15 years old and has a problem that needs an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the unit. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a new HVAC system can save you between 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of installing a new system. 

 A professional HVAC technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. In general, seek out HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, indicating the equipment fulfills firm guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems are some of the most efficient systems available, featuring both high AFUE and SEER ratings. AFUE is intended for heating systems and illustrates how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the efficiency of air conditioning systems.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like TopTec for air conditioning installation in Libertyville. 

 4. Switch to More High Efficiency Air Filters 

The next time you’re shopping for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are the same. Some 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 efficient the filters are. It’s relevant to note, though, that high-efficiency air filters can sometimes obstruct airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you have. It’s beneficial to read the owner’s manual before getting a filter to determine the right one for your system.