How Your HVAC Systems Affects Your Energy Bills
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are what keep you warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and comfortable all year long. In the process of creating this warm or cool air, your HVAC systems consume energy. This ends up having a very big impact on your monthly energy bills.
We have been installing, servicing, and repairing HVAC systems in the Havertown, PA area for years, and know how these systems can affect your energy bills. One of our favorite kind of stories is when we install a new energy efficient system for a customer that brings their monthly bills down.
In this article, we will tell you a bit more about why your HVAC systems run your energy bills up, and what you can do to keep the bills low and manageable. If you think your air conditioner or heating system are causing your energy bills to go through the roof, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our experts will be able to look at your HVAC system and let you know if this is the root of your pricey utility bills!
What Kind Of Energy Does Your Air Conditioner Use?
Air conditioners primarily use electricity to power the system and operate. The electricity consumption can vary depending on the unit’s size, efficiency rating, and usage patterns. When it comes to your AC, your electricity bill is what is affected.
What Kind Of Energy Does Your Heating System Use?
Heating systems are a bit different, and can use a variety of energy sources, including natural gas, electricity, oil, or propane. The type of heating system and its energy source will determine its efficiency and operating costs. Different heating systems are going to impact different energy bills. If you have a heat pump, it’s going to increase your electricity bill, whereas if you have a gas furnace, it’s going to impact your gas bill.
The type of system can also determine how energy efficient it is. Heat pumps tend to be more energy efficient than a traditional furnace. This means that even if they are doing the same job, it’s going to cost less for the heat pump to do the trick.
What Factors Impact Energy Consumption?
There are a few different factors that play a role in how much energy your heating and cooling systems use. It ranges from the type of system, to the climate and how well the system is maintained. Here are a few of the most important factors:
Efficiency Of Your HVAC System
The efficiency of your HVAC system, normally measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for air conditioners and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for heaters, plays a HUGE role in energy consumption. The higher the efficiency rating on your HVAC system, the less energy you are going to consume.
This is important to remember when purchasing a new air conditioner or a heater. The systems with higher efficiency ratings are going to be more expensive to install. BUT, these systems are going to cost less to run over their 10-15 year lifespan. That means lower energy bills for a decade plus. That’s a big factor, and normally higher efficiency systems will cost less over the lifespan compared to a less energy efficient model.
The Weather
This is a pretty basic and obvious factor. If you live somewhere with very hot or cold temperatures, the system is usually going to have to work harder, and use more energy. So even if you have the best HVAC systems money can buy, if the weather becomes very hot or cold, the energy bills are going to rise. The key is to maximize efficiency so that even in extreme weather, the energy bills won’t get out of control.
Your Insulation
Proper insulation in walls, attics, and floors can help maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the need for continuous heating or cooling. If you have a leaky home with poor insulation, the air can escape through the walls, and cause the HVAC system to work harder to achieve the right temperature.
How To Lower Your Energy Bills
Now that you know a bit about WHY your energy bills are rising, here are a few tips to maintain energy efficiency and lower those energy bills.
Schedule Regular HVAC Service Annually
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is the most important factor when it comes to maintaining energy efficiency. Annual HVAC service ensures that your system is working properly, and running efficiently. A professional technician can clean and inspect components, replace filters, and identify any issues that could lead to increased energy use.
Regular service is also going to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and repairs being needed. It’s also going to increase the lifespan of your HVAC systems. These should last between 10-15 years. We’ve seen some go 20 years with regular service!
Seal Air Leaks Around The Home
Air leaks in doors, windows, and ductwork can cause conditioned air to escape, making your HVAC system work harder. Sealing these leaks and improving your insulation can boost energy efficiency and reduce your energy costs.
Use Your Fans
Ceiling fans can help distribute air more evenly in a room, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling. In the summer, fans can make you feel cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat higher and save on air conditioning costs. In the winter, fans can help provide a draft that pushes the warm air down, and into the living space, as opposed to rising to the ceiling.
Use Your Blinds
Blinds and curtains can be used to block out heat in the summer and retain warmth in the winter. By managing sunlight exposure, you can reduce the burden on your HVAC system and lower energy bills.
We hope these tips help you out, and lead to lower energy bills for your home. If you are looking for HVAC experts in Havertown give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online today!