Not only is an energy-efficient HVAC system better for your equipment’s lifespan, but your monthly electric bill can see a lot of savings too. Since HVAC oftentimes makes up the largest portion of your energy costs, an efficient system can really help improve your savings. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for saving money on HVAC energy use in 2023.
You can increase your HVAC energy savings in two main ways:
- Discounts and financial incentives on new equipment and services
- Improving the energy efficiency of your home itself
With this two-pronged approach, you can reduce the long-term costs of running your HVAC system as well as the immediate costs of new equipment or useful services. We’ll review them both so you’re aware of all your options!
Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Before you go out and purchase an entirely new HVAC system, consider taking a look at your home first. There are lots of things you can do to improve its energy efficiency. This includes improving your home’s ability to retain heat and air conditioning. You can also add new HVAC accessories that optimize the day-to-day schedule.
Adding more insulation: Most homes don’t actually have enough insulation for true energy efficiency. Heat and air conditioning can seep into drafty attics and the space between walls. It can also slip through gaps in your doors and windows. By adding more insulation to these spots in your home, you’ll retain a larger percentage of your HVAC system’s output.
Seal/Insulate your home’s ductwork: Most heat loss is through inefficient ductwork or gaps where air can escape. Insulating and sealing your ducts ensures minimal HVAC losses.
Put in a smart thermostat: A smart thermostat may be one of the best investments for an energy-efficient HVAC system! With intelligent programming, it can monitor your daily usage habits and optimize the heating and cooling schedule. So if you prefer extra heat in the morning, a smart thermostat will determine the most energy-efficient way to provide it.
Enroll in routine HVAC maintenance: As your HVAC system runs, it accumulates grime and experiences wear and tear. This gradually lowers the energy efficiency of your equipment and may even lead to problems in the future. But if you invest in things like routine furnace maintenance, these issues can be resolved with professional cleaning and component replacement.
Choose ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment: If your furnace or air conditioner is approaching replacement age, look for models with the ENERGY STAR distinction. This means the system meets national standards for energy efficiency. They’ll also feature ratings that specify just how efficient a piece of equipment is. For high-efficiency furnaces, it’s the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, while cooling primarily uses the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER), or SEER rating for short.
As you can tell, there are lots of ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. But what about installing new equipment? ENERGY STAR-rated equipment may cost more at first, but over time those costs are recuperated by lower energy bills. What’s more, there are also ways to save on these new systems!
Look for Rebates, Discounts and Other Incentives
Many companies that offer HVAC equipment or services also provide financial incentives to ensure more people can afford quality heating and cooling. For example, the Wattsmart® incentive program features discounts or cash back rebates on key equipment like heat pumps and smart thermostats. You’ll also find resources for discounted services like duct sealing and home weatherizing. Don’t hesitate to explore all your options if you want to keep costs as low as possible.
A Trusted Local Service Company Can Help You Save
A trustworthy service company should make sure you’re always aware of ways to save on quality HVAC equipment and services. That’s exactly what you’ll find at AC Mechanical. Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians can review your HVAC needs and offer suggestions to ensure the most energy-efficient HVAC system possible.
Give us a call today at 307-778-0515.
