According to a 2018 study conducted by the research firm Synapse, heat pumps can help you save money on your home energy bills. Researchers estimated that people who use propane to heat their homes would save approximately $1,462 per year with a heat pump. Homeowners who use oil for heating fuel in furnaces would save approximately $255 per year. If you also use a heat pump for cooling, you could save up to $200 in energy costs annually.
To ensure the best operating performance and energy savings, learn how to keep your heat pump operating as efficiently as possible.
Keep Your HVAC System Clean and Maintained
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Dirt and neglect are the top causes of heating and cooling system inefficiency and failure.” To keep your heat pump operating efficiently, change the air filter as often as necessary to ensure it is clean.
Have an HVAC services professional perform a maintenance check of the HVAC system at least once per year. The technician will remove dust and debris from the system’s components and ensure that all parts are working properly.
Consider Installing a Smart Thermostat
Image via Flickr by aqua.mech
Two types of smart thermostats exist: Wi-Fi–enabled and AI-powered thermostats. Wi-Fi–enabled thermostats are capable of connecting to your home’s wireless network. They come with a dedicated app that allows you to adjust the temperature remotely from your smartphone. For example, you can set the thermostat to a higher temperature 20 minutes before you get home from work. This way, you’ll find your home pleasantly warm without wasting energy. If you forget to turn down the temperature before leaving, you can make adjustments remotely. Some models work with Alexa to further improve the user experience.
AI-powered thermostats offer more functionality. During the first few days after installation, the thermostat learns your habits and your preferred temperature. After the learning phase, it automatically adjusts the temperature, turning the thermostat down when you’re not home. Some AI-powered thermostats are compatible with wireless remote sensors for each room in your house. These sensors can detect when someone is in the room and when it’s empty so that the thermostat can adjust the temperature accordingly.
Install Home Insulation
Weatherizing your home can help you to reduce energy waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, insulating your home can save up to 10% on your energy costs. Based on your specific needs, you can request an energy services professional to fix leaky ductwork or attic hatches and install proper insulation in your walls, ceilings, doors, and windows.
The most common types of home insulation are spray foam, fiberglass batts, and loose-fill insulation. Spray foam expands after the application process, creating an airtight seal. Fiberglass batts are made from water-resistant material to prevent the growth of mold, and they retain warmth inside your home efficiently. Loose-fill insulation is the best choice to fill gaps and cracks and cover uneven surfaces.
While you may be tempted to perform these projects yourself, always call a professional technician. A skilled professional has access to the best tools for the job and the necessary training to ensure safety. Armed with this information, you can help keep your home’s heat pump operating efficiently for years to come.
