Air conditioning is the top contributor to the average household’s annual energy consumption. Heating is the second. If you’ve experienced the shock of a high electric or fuel bill, your HVAC system could be the culprit. Let’s explore solutions that can bring those expenses down dramatically.
Poor Cooling and Heating Performance
Inefficient HVAC systems are a leading cause of unnecessary energy spending. These systems experience significant wear and tear throughout the summer and winter. They also accumulate dirt and other debris. Those issues cause an HVAC system to run less efficiently and consume more electricity or burn more fuel. If you have an older system, it may be time to replace it with equipment that will save money in the long term. Even if you have newer equipment, you should take steps to maximize its energy efficiency.
Solution: Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups
Schedule a seasonal cooling tune-up in the spring and a seasonal heating tune-up in the fall. Routine maintenance is a requirement of most HVAC warranties. It will also pay for itself over time because regular maintenance will lower your energy bill.
How does HVAC maintenance lower energy bills? Consider that ACs and heat pumps have evaporator coils that accumulate grime and microbial growth. That buildup serves as an insulator that makes the refrigeration process less efficient, so it uses more electricity. Gas furnaces are another example. The combustion equipment builds up carbon deposits over time. That causes the systems to burn fuel less efficiently and thus burn more fuel overall.
A seasonal tune-up by Loves Air includes a multipoint inspection. Our technician will clean all the equipment while completing the inspection. We’ll also lubricate moving parts, tighten electrical connections, calibrate various systems, and much more.
Solution: Maintenance Membership Program
Consider joining a maintenance program rather than scheduling a tune-up each season. As a member of the Loves Family Plan, you’ll receive both seasonal tune-ups at a discount. Our team will handle the reminders and scheduling an appointment for a day and time convenient for you. Members receive a free energy audit for joining the program. Other membership perks include:
- Priority scheduling
- Members-only promotions
- Discounts on all covered services
- Early notification of general promotions
- Guaranteed membership rate for five years
Suboptimal Thermostat Control
A thermostat can save you money, but it can also cost you money. Analog thermostats are less precise at sensing and setting temperatures and can start to fail over time. You may also be increasing your bill by adjusting your temperature whenever you feel cold or hot. Often, a better approach is to set it and forget it.
Solution: Smart Thermostat
The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Scheduling allows for automatic temperature adjustment, which can lower your annual bill by as much as 10%. We recommend a smart thermostat, which is a programmable thermostat with additional features. Some of the features that can save you even more money include:
- Rate awareness
- Machine learning
- Occupancy sensing
- Remote access and control
- Energy monitoring and reporting
Your thermostat is another reason to schedule seasonal tune-ups. During that appointment, our technician will clean and calibrate your thermostat. They can also update its software if needed.
Restricted Airflow
Installers size systems and balance airflow based on the precise needs of a home. If that airflow is lower than normal, it can cause the system to work harder and cycle longer. Signs of reduced airflow include uneven heating or cooling and sharp temperature differences between floors.
Solution: Appropriate HVAC Filter
Using the wrong HVAC filter can cause increased static pressure in a system. The industry gauges HVAC filter performance using the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration. A high MERV rating also results in increased pressure, and that’s problematic if it exceeds the system’s limits. Most modern systems support at least MERV 8, and many support as high as MERV 13.
Solution: Regular Filter Changes
If you’re unsure if you’re using the right HVAC filter, we can help you determine that. Most households will need to replace their filter every few months. That said, we recommend checking it every month and replacing it as needed. We sell HVAC filters and provide filter replacement services for customers who prefer not to do it themselves.
Air Leakage
Air leakage is a big problem in ducted systems. In fact, the DOE estimates that leakage is between 20% and 40% in the average household. This causes considerable issues, and the system has to provide more conditioned air to make the home comfortable. That requires more energy. Air leakage can also result in significant air pollution and disrupt humidity levels.
Solution: Duct Sealing
The main reason air leakage occurs over time is that the seals between duct sections wear out. Panels can also develop pinholes, cracks, and other imperfections. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends duct sealing with a non-toxic aerosol. Our technician will spray it into the ducts to restore the seals and fill the imperfections. That will make a dramatic difference in your comfort and how much you spend on energy each month.
Loose Building Envelope
A tight building envelope makes for a comfortable and energy-efficient home. A loose envelope makes it more difficult and expensive to make the home comfortable. It can also decrease air quality in the home by allowing pollutants and moisture to enter the living space.
Solution: Home Energy Audit
Many factors can contribute to a loose building envelope. If you’re concerned it’s a problem, we recommend scheduling a home energy audit. Having us perform an audit at no cost is another reason to join our maintenance program. Our team will assess all the factors that contribute to the envelope. That includes HVAC equipment, insulation, and windows, which can be a substantial problem as well.
High Humidity
The EPA recommends maintaining a relative humidity between 30% and 60%. High humidity in summer is particularly notable in our region. While air conditioners dehumidify as a byproduct of cooling, they aren’t dehumidifiers. The higher the humidity, the harder the system will work and the more energy it will use. You may even have to turn the temperature down further to feel comfortable.
Solution: Whole-House Dehumidifier
If summertime humidity is a problem, we recommend installing a whole-house humidifier. A humidifier can save you money because your AC won’t have to work as hard or for as long. It may also allow you to increase your temperature while remaining comfortable.
Lower Your Energy Costs in Modesto
Loves Air is located in Modesto, CA, and we’ve served Stanislaus County and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians perform seasonal tune-ups, reliable repairs, and system replacements. We install and service all thermostat types, including programmable and smart models. You can also count on us for filter replacements, duct sealing, and home energy audits. Call today or contact Loves Air online with any questions about the many heating and cooling services and products we offer.
