If you’re from Houston, TX, you understand how erratic the weather can get. In this climate, we realize that the last thing you want to deal with is an untimely HVAC malfunction. With the summer months upon us, it is not unusual for your electricity bill to rise along with the mercury in the thermometer. At Air Innovations LLC, we promise to provide you with an HVAC system that will do its job, keeping your home or business cool without breaking the bank. Interested? Keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks our seasoned professionals advise to save you some significant money on your HVAC system.
Tip #1 – Don’t settle for just any contractor
One of the top ways to save money on your HVAC system is by working with a trustworthy HVAC contractor. Finding a dependable contractor will ensure that you are receiving a superior commitment to ethics, quality, and overall excellence, no matter what. Not only will a reputable HVAC company charge you fairly for equipment and labor, but since you can’t always plan for the unexpected, they will also offer unbeatable, flexible financing options to their customers. Saving money anywhere you can on your HVAC system will add up in the long run, so make sure you look out for all your options before buying. Some companies will even offer a certain percentage off your service fees for doing something as simple as leaving a review on their website. When working with a company that cares, you won’t have to worry about getting taken advantage of or paying a fortune. You will be receiving quality HVAC installations the first time around, saving you money on HVAC repairs in the future.
Tip #2 – Upgrade your system
Upgrading to a newer and higher-efficiency HVAC system will help jump-start your savings by significantly lowering your utility bills within the first few months. If your current equipment is over ten years old, a new heating pump or air conditioning unit will probably be necessary. To properly understand why HVAC modernizations are so beneficial, you can reference the SEER or HSPF rating system outlined below.
- SEER is a maximum efficacy rating that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and determines the annual energy consumption and efficiency of a unit’s total cooling output in day-to-day use. Typically, the higher the SEER AC rating, the less energy an HVAC will need to do its job efficiently, thus saving you money. For example, if your current system has a SEER rating of 9 and you choose to upgrade to a SEER rating of 13, your power consumption could be cut back by about 30%. It may not sound substantial, but this small upgrade can save you upwards of $300 annually, depending on variables like electricity costs and frequency of use. You can also take advantage of energy savings calculators to help you compute the savings between your present unit and a newer, more efficient one.
- HSPF is a heat pump’s heating version of SEER and stands for Heating Season Performance Factor, and is responsible for checking the heating efficiency of a heat pump. This number represents the total heat output of a heat pump, including the extra electric heat during the typical heating season in British Thermal Units (BTUs), compared to the total electricity consumed in what hours during the same period. For a heating pump to provide significant energy efficiency and savings on monthly heating bills, we want a score of 8.2 HSPF or higher.
Your licensed professional HVAC dealer at Air Innovations LLC in Houston, TX, can assist you in determining which SEER AC or HSPF heat pump ratings are the right fit for you and your budget.
Tip #3 – Government incentives and rebates
Yes, you read that right. Newer and higher-rated HVAC units often come with government and private sector incentives and rebates. Since higher SEER and HSPF-rated HVAC systems may cost twice as much as some of the lower-rated models, incentives for air conditioning and heat pumps are commonly tied to efficiency ratings and performance. Government agencies and power companies encourage consumers to spend their money on higher efficiency equipment as a means to reduce power consumption during the summer cooling season. Making economically conscious choices when it comes to your home or business’s HVAC system will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but it will also have a positive impact on your wallet. These money-saving options come in the form of tax credits, direct rebates, and tax deductions, and can even total out to more than a thousand dollars per system, depending on geographical location and equipment purchased. You can also search online for specific rebates and incentives by using sites like:
- DSIRE USA
- Energy.gov
- Energy Star
These resources will provide you with searchable databases that can quickly inform you of any incentives or rebates you might be able to collect for your high-efficiency HVAC purchase.
Tip #4 – Don’t neglect regular maintenance
The easiest and most effective way to save money on your HVAC’s energy consumption is to regularly maintain your system. Over time, dust, debris, allergens, pollutants, and various other small particles will accumulate in your HVAC filter as it pulls in air. Though this is normal, overly clogged filters will inevitably force your system to work harder for the same cooling results, costing you more money. The good news is, HVAC filters are relatively inexpensive and super easy to replace. Though it may seem trivial, the smaller costs related to HVAC maintenance are what prevent the much higher costs associated with untreated damage or premature system failure. Some other maintenance musts to keep in mind are:
- Cleaning the condensing unit –air conditioners with outdoor condensing units or heat pumps are prone to clogging up with dirt, pollen, and other environmental debris. Once each season, it’s a good idea to use a hose to spray down the outside of the unit gently.
- Inspect and clean up around the outdoor unit – remove any leaves or overgrown vegetation from around your unit to ensure there is no interference with air flow.
- Check your evaporator coil’s drainpipe and pan – Check your HVAC system’s drainpipe and try to clean out any algae or mold that may be causing a blockage. An excellent way to do this is by using a wet-dry vacuum or some bleach to clear any clogged areas.
- Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance services – We recommend having a licensed professional come out and perform preventative services to your system at least once a year.
It is recommended that you get your HVAC system inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once per year by a professional contractor to save money on energy costs and prevent untimely equipment malfunctions.
Tip #5 – Check ductwork for air leaks and damages
Sometimes, even when it seems like you’re doing everything right regarding your HVAC system, you may find out that your hard-earned money is unintentionally going towards keeping your attic and crawl space comfortable. Not ideal. That’s why it is crucial to make sure you get your duct system inspected by a qualified HVAC contractor to see if poorly sealed or insulated ducts are contributing to your climbing energy bill. Space heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home’s total energy use, and ducts that leak heated air into unwanted spaces can add hundreds of dollars to your heating and cooling bills annually. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) concludes that the typical duct system loses between 25% and 40% of its heating and cooling energy due to improper sealing or a lack of insulation. The good news is, you can reduce this loss by sealing, insulating, or merely upgrading your ducts, which the DEO estimates would save the average household $160 on their total heating and cooling bill. Some money-saving duct repairs you can carry out on your own include:
- Checking for air leaks/holes in your ducts by looking for sections that should be joined but have separated
- Sealing any duct gaps with professional-grade mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes (despite the name, no duct tape!), while sealing larger gap areas with web-type drywall
- Make sure none of the ducts in your crawlspace or attic are lying on the floor as a way to avoid any water or rodent-causing damage.
Additionally, as your HVAC system works to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the air traveling through the tucked-away ducts can cause dust, dirt, and grime buildup that can go completely unnoticed. If you see dark stains or patches on your duct’s insulation, that is a sure indication that your ductwork is not sealed correctly and undoubtedly has an excess particle buildup. To fix this problem, you will need to properly re-insulate the problem areas to ensure maximum comfort and savings. With that being said, we understand that not everyone was born a handy-(wo)man. That’s why Air Innovations LLC offers our services all around the greater Houston area for anyone who may need a helping hand.
