How Can My HVAC Help Reduce My Energy Bills?

Does opening your energy bill cause you anxiety? You aren’t alone! As energy costs continue to rise, many homeowners in La Porte, IN, and the surrounding areas are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system usage is among the biggest contributors to high energy bills, particularly during extreme temperatures. Whether it’s cooling your home in the summer or keeping it warm during the frosty Indiana winter, your home’s HVAC system can account for nearly half of your household’s energy consumption!

Fortunately, several strategies can be implemented to reduce energy usage and lower bills. Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has compiled them here for easy reading.

Tips To Reduce Energy Usage

These tips can be implemented year-round for optimal energy savings regardless of the outdoor temperatures Hoosiers are facing.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Hoosiers can save as much as 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs by adjusting their thermostats 7 to 10 degrees for an eight-hour period of the day—like while you are at work.

Investing in a programmable thermostat can help you easily achieve this while ensuring your home is comfortable when you need it to be. Simply set the times for each day you will be away, and the thermostat will handle the rest.

If you frequently adjust your programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat may be a better investment for your home. These devices learn your schedule and preferences and automatically adjust for maximum efficiency.

Some smart thermostat models even provide energy usage reports and suggestions for reducing consumption, making it easier to achieve your energy-saving goals.

Maintain Your HVAC System

This fact cannot be overstated: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and that a well-maintained system uses less energy. Many homeowners also may not be aware that lack of annual maintenance may also void the warranty of the heating and cooling system.

Change the air filters on the indoor system and in return  HVAC filters. Timeframes may vary depending on your HVAC manufacturer, but a filter should be changed (or cleaned if you use a reusable filter) every one to three months. Those with pets, allergies, or health concerns may want to change their filters more often for premium air filtration.

Scheduling a professional tune-up can also help identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. During a Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling tune-up, our technician will inspect, test, and clean various components, ensuring your system runs efficiently.

By keeping your HVAC system in top shape, you’ll avoid overworking it, which can lead to higher energy bills. Take your HVAC care one step further and enroll in a Summers Maintenance Agreement for extended benefits.

Seal and Insulate Your Home

Air leaks and poor insulation are common culprits of energy loss in many homes. This means the air your HVAC system works so hard to heat or cool can escape, and your HVAC system has to work overtime to maintain the desired temperature—running up your energy usage.

To prevent this, have us inspect your home for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these leaks, keeping the conditioned air inside where it belongs.

In addition to sealing leaks, consider upgrading your attic insulation. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for constant HVAC usage. It’s an investment that can pay off in the form of lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.

Use Fans and Ventilation Wisely

Ceiling and exhaust fans can be powerful allies in lowering your energy bill by reducing the workload of your HVAC.

Ceiling fans help circulate air, making you feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. In winter, reverse the direction to spin clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.

Exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can also help reduce HVAC workload by removing excess heat and humidity from these areas. Just be sure to turn them off when they’re no longer needed, as they can also remove conditioned air if left on for too long.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

New heating and air conditioning equipment can often lend to energy savings. If you have tried other measures but your aging equipment is still a major contributor to your energy bill, then an upgrade may be the way to go.

Upfront costs may be a concern, but between the long-term savings you can enjoy in cutting energy expenses and the availability of federal tax credits of up to $3,200, affordability isn’t as out of reach as you may think.

HVAC System Upgrade

HVAC systems can lose efficiency as they age because their parts are exposed to years of wear and tear. While your HVAC may still be running now, repairs are likely on the horizon, and its energy consumption will continue to grow as it struggles to keep up. Upgrading your system could provide long-term energy savings.

Look for systems with the ENERGY STAR^® label, which indicates the equipment meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When upgrading, consider installing a zoning system for your new HVAC. These systems use dampers in your ductwork to divide your home into different zones, each with its own thermostat. Zoning systems can significantly reduce energy waste by allowing you to heat or cool only the areas of your home that are in use.

Water Heater Upgrade

Another equipment upgrade to consider is your water heater. On average, they are responsible for about 18 percent of your energy bill. If your water heater is also aging, upgrading to a new unit, especially one with an ENERGY STAR^® label, could further reduce your energy consumption. Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling also has experienced plumbers on staff to assist you with any water heater service or installation need.

Optimize Your Home’s Energy Use

Beyond HVAC-specific strategies, there are other ways to reduce overall energy consumption, which can lower energy bills.

Simple actions like turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use can add up over time. Additionally, traditional incandescent bulbs should be replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer. You can also take advantage of natural light and heat by opening blinds or curtains during the day in winter and closing them in summer to block out heat.

Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today

Reducing your energy bills doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Implementing energy-saving strategies, such as upgrading to a programmable thermostat and maintaining your HVAC system, can minimize your HVAC usage and make your home more efficient, lowering your energy bill.

For more personalized advice and professional HVAC services, contact Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Our team is dedicated to providing fast, neighborly service that homeowners can count on. Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has several locations throughout Indiana and we also serve communities in nearby states, including Yorkville, IL, and Dayton, OH.

Let us help you optimize your home’s energy efficiency and keep your energy bills in check. Call us at 219-797-6185 to schedule a consultation or request a maintenance appointment online!