4 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

We can all benefit from saving money here and there. An easy way to do so is by making some energy-efficient changes around your home. Upgrading your HVAC system or adding a smart thermostat, for example, gives you more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and more affordable monthly energy bills.  

Keep reading to learn about 4 ways you can make energy-efficient home changes. 

 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 includes a number of features to improve your home's energy efficiency. 

The function homeowners enjoy the most is being able to access their smart thermostats from anywhere they want by using their smartphone or other smart device. For instance, when you forget to use your thermostat before leaving for vacation, you can just pull out your smartphone and make any needed adjustments.  

Just like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat permits you to schedule your home’s temperature determined by 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 learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even provide monthly energy reports that show how much energy you’re using and when so you can make adjustments to save money.  

If you’re curious about how to obtain a free smart thermostat, ask your utility company to see if there are any discounts or free smart thermostats offered. 

2. Routine HVAC Maintenance 

Sadly, lots of homeowners often forget about having their heating and cooling systems maintained. While this does not seem like a problem, a lack of maintenance could lead to a number of issues, including inefficiency, breakdowns, and a shorter system lifespan. 

With an HVAC maintenance service, your technician will inspect your HVAC system, clean key components, and pinpoint minor flaws before they produce bigger, more expensive repair issues. Maintenance keeps HVAC systems working at optimal condition, which means less energy is needed to heat and cool your home. This can reduce your energy bills, increase the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and contribute to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Upgrading Your Worn-Down, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like all appliances, HVAC systems have a shelf life and inevitably need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling systems are much more effective than models sold just over 10 years ago. Thankfully, quality HVAC companies like Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. can perform professional services such as furnace installation in Port Clinton.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can live about 15-20 years. If your systems are within that span, it might be a good idea to replace them ahead of time to prevent untimely equipment failure that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your system is approaching 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s almost always time to replace the unit. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, getting a new HVAC system can save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll recoup some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional comfort technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system available. In general, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, meaning the equipment fulfills strict 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 measures how well they convert fuel to heat. SEER, in the meantime, is used to quantify the efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Call a reputable HVAC provider like Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. for air conditioning installation in Port Clinton. 

 4. Look for High Efficiency Air Filters 

The next time you’re looking for new HVAC filters, remember that not all air filters are capable of providing the same results. Some air filters are far more successful than others, leading to 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 from 1-20; the higher the number, the more efficient the filters are. It’s important to note, however, that high-efficiency air filters can in fact impede airflow too much depending on the type of HVAC system you installed. It’s worthwhile to read the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.