Replacing your old HVAC with a new system provides significant savings on your energy bills all year long, from heating your house in the winter to cooling the air during the hot summer months.
Make sure you choose an HVAC with a high rating from Energy Star. Your new unit should also be the right size for your home, which can be discovered by a heat-loss calculation performed by a contractor.
Many Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Cooling Units are Energy Star-certified and also let you control separate zones in your home to be as efficient as possible. Whatever product you choose, expect to spend at least $5,000 for a complete replacement.
After your new HVAC is installed, schedule an annual servicing so it runs smoothly over the years. Also use media filters with an antimicrobial coating to improve your home’s air quality.
Improving your home’s insulation has the potential to save between 10% and 50% of your heating bill. The best place to target is your attic, including the floor and the rafters.
For an area with standard joist spacing, opt for batts, which are long rolls of insulation. Fiberglass batts cost between $0.40 and $1 per square foot, not including insulation.
For non-standard areas with odd joist spacing or frequent obstructions, it’s easier to use loose fill insulation. It costs about $1.20 to $2 per square foot to have a contractor blow it in.
Alternatively, you can save money by renting your own blower for about $70 a day and spending no more than $0.60 per square foot on materials. Whenever installing any type of new insulation, remember to protect the attic’s air flow by leaving the soffit vents open.
Saving energy in your home (and keeping money in your pocket) comes from looking at both the big picture and your day-to-day habits. Analyze your home’s weak spots in order to prioritize your upcoming investments in energy efficiency.
You don’t need to make all of these changes in a year; instead, be strategic about your home improvement choices so that you’re incorporating smart energy solutions as well.