We can all benefit from saving a few bucks from time to time. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by identifying energy inefficiencies around your home. Upgrading your HVAC equipment or putting in a smart thermostat, for example, offers more control over your HVAC equipment, resulting in a more energy-efficient home and savings on your monthly energy bills.  

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

 1. Use Smart Home Products Like a Smart Thermostat  

If you still use a round-dial thermostat and adjust it manually, consider taking a step toward the future by installing a smart, or Wi-Fi, thermostat – which contains numerous features to improve your home's energy efficiency. 

The function homeowners like the most is having the ability to adjust their smart thermostats from wherever by using their smartphone or other smart device. As an example, if you forget to change your thermostat before going on vacation, you can easily pull out your smartphone and make the necessary adjustment.  

Like a programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat allows you to pre-set your home’s temperature according to the time of day and day of the week so you’re not heating or cooling an empty house. Smart thermostats also feature the ability to learn your temperature preferences over time and automatically make energy-efficient corrections. They can even generate monthly energy reports that demonstrate how much energy you've used and when so you can make changes to save money.  

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

2. HVAC Tune Ups 

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

With an HVAC maintenance service, the technician will examine your HVAC system, clean key components, and catch minor flaws before they create 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 could also reduce your energy bills, expand the lifespan of HVAC equipment, and lead to fewer repairs. 

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

3. Getting rid of Your Old, Inefficient HVAC Equipment 

Unfortunately, like any appliance, HVAC systems can't run forever and ultimately need to be replaced. Modern heaters and cooling products are much more energy efficient than units sold just over 10 years ago. Luckily, local HVAC companies like Desert Husky HVAC/R Services can offer professional services including furnace installation in Tucson and Phoenix.  

Well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners can run for approximately 15-20 years. If your system is within that span, it can be a good idea to replace them early to prevent untimely breakdowns that can leave you cold and uncomfortable on a cold winter night. If your equipment is about 15 years old and requires an expensive repair, it’s usually time to replace the system. Per the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to a new HVAC system can sometimes save you about 20-40% on your monthly energy bills, so you’ll get back some of the costs of buying a new system. 

 A professional heating and cooling technician can help you find the most energy efficient HVAC system on the market. As a general rule of thumb, try to find HVAC systems that are Energy Star certified, which means the equipment meets strict guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. LENNOX HVAC systems can be some of the most efficient systems available, 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 energy efficiency of cooling equipment.  

Contact a reputable HVAC provider like Desert Husky HVAC/R Services for air conditioning installation in Tucson and Phoenix. 

 4. Switch to More Energy-Efficient Air Filters 

If you’re looking for new HVAC filters, consider that not all air filters are created equally. Certain air filters are far more efficient than others, contributing to lower energy bills and cleaner indoor air. 

The efficiency 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 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 installed. It’s important to study the owner’s manual before purchasing a filter to determine the right one for your system.