Servicing Your HVAC Reduces Your Energy Expenses
Professional HVAC technicians see countless homeowners struggling with high energy bills, often unaware that their heating and cooling system might be the culprit!
With winter in full swing and a new year approaching, now is the perfect time to explore smart ways to reduce those monthly expenses with these HVAC service tips.
Regular HVAC Service Makes Financial Sense
Think of your HVAC system like the car you drive every day. Without regular oil changes and maintenance, it guzzles gas and doesn’t run as well. The same applies to your furnace or heat pump. Regular maintenance can lead to significant savings.
A well-maintained system uses about 15% less energy compared to a neglected one, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You’ll save even more money on repairs; most are a result of lack of maintenance. It’s always cheaper to maintain your system than it is to pay for a major repair. Taking care of your HVAC system is a smart financial decision.
Take a look at a real-life example to see for yourself how maintenance can save you money.
Money-Saving Practices You Can Start Today
Implement these HVAC tips between services to make a difference in your home’s comfort.
- Start with your thermostat settings. Programming your thermostat to adjust temperatures by eight to 10 degrees when you’re asleep or away from home can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs. Modern smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats let you control temperatures no matter where you are.
- Sealing air leaks around windows and doors might seem unrelated to HVAC service, but it dramatically impacts system efficiency. Your heating and cooling system won’t need to compensate for lost air, reducing its workload and energy consumption.
- Change your air filter every 30 days, especially if you have children or pets. System efficiency can sharply drop when you skip this task because your system has to work harder to force air through a clogged filter.
- Keep your outdoor unit clean. Dirt and debris that builds up on your air conditioner condenser or heat pump coils can lead to early failure and higher bills.
- Seal your ductwork. Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your conditioned air. When your ducts leak, air escapes between the walls of your home instead of blowing into your living spaces. Sealing ducts prevents this, which can make your monthly investment in heating and cooling go further.
Smart Seasonal HVAC Service Strategies
Fall and spring are ideal for heating and cooling system maintenance. A service agreement from your area’s favorite heating and cooling company can help you keep track of these maintenance tasks.
Before you turn your air conditioner on in the spring, and before you turn on the heat in the fall, have a professional technician clean and check your system. In winter, this includes testing for carbon monoxide leaks and proper combustion efficiency. These are both important for your family’s safety.
Service agreements usually include two maintenance visits, but some companies will also offer additional savings on parts or labor. The cost of the agreement is less than paying for two service calls, so it’s a wise investment in your home.
You don’t need to wait for the next season to sign up for a service agreement. Do it proactively, and your chosen HVAC service provider will send you reminders to schedule your maintenance appointments, effectively ensuring your system gets the attention it needs, when it needs it.
HVAC Service Extends Your System’s Lifespan
Beyond immediate energy savings, consistent maintenance can make your HVAC system last longer. Most systems last about 15 years, but with proper care, they can reliably serve you for 20 years or more.
This extended service life spreads your investment over a longer period, so you ultimately spend less on installations and equipment during the course of homeownership.
The financial benefits compound when you consider avoided repairs. Well-maintained systems experience fewer breakdowns and require fewer emergency service calls, which cost significantly more than regular maintenance visits during business hours.
Make HVAC Servicing Work Within Your Budget
Many homeowners avoid regular maintenance thinking it’s too expensive. Yet, when you break down the annual cost of comprehensive maintenance against potential repair costs and energy savings, professional HVAC service typically pays for itself within just a few years.
By maintaining regular professional maintenance schedules and doing your part, you’re investing in your home’s comfort and value while protecting one of its most expensive systems.