From 2009 to 2014, the heating and air conditioning industry increased by 4.1%. The reasoning behind this is simple: people need their heating and air conditioning. Most of us feel that we can’t live without an HVAC system. There are many reasons why this mentality is so prevalent. For one thing, HVAC systems have become a way of life. We assume that we need heating and air conditioning systems because everyone else has them. They’re part of the overall running of a house. This is the same reason why you have an oven — you could cook without it, but that would make life a lot harder. In certain parts of the United States, heating and air conditioning is not just a luxury, but a need. Certainly, many parts of the U.S. experience extreme heat during the summer. But perhaps even more concerning are the places that experience extreme cold. With all of this taken into consideration, it’s undeniable that most of us cannot avoid having a heating and air conditioning system in our homes. The question is, how can you save money on both HVAC repairs and your regular monthly bills? You can make a call to your HVAC contractors to find out how — but you can also do some of your own research. The ways in which you can save money are surprisingly simple!
1. Regular Maintenance
Nobody likes paying for maintenance — especially when you think that your system doesn’t need it. But as many HVAC contractors can tell you, often your HVAC system can have problems without your knowing. The way these issues show themselves may not be obvious — but they will show up when you receive your energy bill. Poorly maintained or out of date HVAC units are energy inefficient, which leads to an increased energy bill — and sometimes, this increase can be huge. Of course, maintenance is about more than ensuring the energy efficiency of your HVAC unit. It’s also about ensuring that your unit lasts as long as possible. Replacing an HVAC unit before you need to is a major expense — you’re losing money on an investment. With regular maintenance, your HVAC unit should last between 12 and 15 years. At the same time, it’s important to replace your unit when it reaches this 12 to 15-year point. An outdated HVAC unit will not run as well as it should. A unit can only last so long. Once it has run its course, you should consider replacing it with a more energy efficient unit.
2. Proper Installation
One of the simplest ways you can lose money on your HVAC unit is through unprofessional maintenance or even installation. Perhaps you think that installing your HVAC unit on your own is ridiculous; perhaps you don’t — and if so, you’re not alone. Many people attempt to install their HVAC units on their own, or through amateur resources. This can lead to a major loss of money. The simple improper installation of an HVAC unit can increase energy costs by up to 30%. If you wish to save money and have a good unit, it’s extremely important to contact professional HVAC contractors. Don’t trust an amateur, and don’t imagine that doing it yourself equals a cheap system.
3. Ventilate Your Home
One of the easiest ways you can save money on energy costs is by simply contacting your HVAC contractors. They can help you devise ways to make your entire home more energy efficient. By ventilating your attic properly, you can save 10 to 12% on energy. This can make a huge difference financially. Your contractors can also advise you on ventilating the rest of your home through the installation of fans and proper insulation.
These are a few simple ways you can save money on heating and air. Don’t take for granted that you have to pay a certain amount for comfort — do your research, and talk to professionals. You’ll be glad you did.