Do you dread opening your monthly utility bills? Do you throw them aside and wait a couple of weeks, not wanting to see how much it has increased again? Are you tired of spending a large percentage of your paycheck on these monthly utilities? Most homeowners will see their heating and air conditioning bills increase many times. The increases are often minimal, but before long, you are left with high utility bills. Yet, many homeowners do not realize that they can make improvements to these bills. Your heating and air conditioning unit may be contributing to the higher bills. Consider these cost saving suggestions.
Regular HVAC inspections
Even if your HVAC unit currently works, it may require minor inspections or repairs. Minor repairs can increase the efficiency of your unit, allowing it to work better. This, in turn, can directly impact your heating and air conditioning bills. Work with HVAC experienced professionals on regular maintenance and upkeep of your unit. You should have your entire HVAC unit inspected at least twice per year, once during the fall months in preparation for the winter, and again, in the spring, as you prepare for the summer weather.
HVAC upgrades
Every year, HVAC manufacturers are coming out with upgrades to current units. These upgrades correct minor problems with the units and increase their overall efficiency. You may not require an air conditioning repair, but having a manufacturer upgrade can help your system work more efficiently. Heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home. Reducing this amount, even minimally, can translate into significant monthly savings.
Replace HVAC unit
The best way to take advantage of current high efficiency heating and air conditioning is to fully replace your HVAC unit. Minimum allowed efficiency ratings are higher than ever. The lowest efficiency allowed by law today for new gas furnaces is 78%, and some new models achieve 97%, which is near total efficiency. Older furnaces often require many furnace repairs, which can get very expensive. Instead of repairing your furnace again this fall, consider replacing your unit.
In addition to the lowered monthly utility bills you will receive, your new heating and air conditioning unit will also provide you with cleaner air. This is better for the environment and better for you and your family. Older HVAC units hold onto debris and refrigerants for a longer period of time. Those same contaminants are then pushed out into the air through the HVAC?s duct system. This can increase allergies and exacerbate other breathing difficulties.
Clean air ducts
The air ducts are an extremely important part of your heating and air conditioning system. They are responsible for pushing the cold air out during the summer and the warm air out, during the cold winter months. Dedicated professionals in the heating and cooling industry will also stress the importance of regularly cleaning your air ducts. Air ducts also have the capability of storing large amounts of dust and debris, which is then circulated into the home?s air system.
Another common problem with air ducts is the complete loss of heat or air conditioning. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, a loss avoided with ductless mini split cooling and heating systems. Many homeowners may make the mistake of replacing their HVAC unit, but then fail to upgrade or replace their air ducts. The outdated duct work will still cause significant air losses and will keep the utility bills just as high.
Heating and cooling accounts for a large percentage of many homeowners? monthly bills. Considering that heating and cooling is necessary in a house, many do not believe there is anything they can do about it. Fortunately, there are actually many steps that can be taken to reduce monthly heating and cooling costs. Work with a professional on improving and maintaining your air conditioning services. Have regular HVAC inspections, complete repairs when needed, replace your unit for the most efficiency, and regularly clean and replace air ducts for the best results.
