The Impact of an Efficient HVAC System on Your Utility Bills

The Impact of an Efficient HVAC System on Your Utility Bills

“Energy-efficiency” isn’t just a buzzword meant to entice you into buying the latest and greatest efficient HVAC system; it’s a real benefit to your bottom line. Air conditioning and heating is one of the largest areas of energy consumption in the world, and it accounts for 19% of power usage in U.S. homes alone.

Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system can dramatically reduce energy usage, with numbers from the U.S. Department of Energy showing that such an upgrade can drop power bills by up to 40%. To understand how this is possible, let’s explore the ways a fresh HVAC installation lowers electricity usage.

New Technology Makes Smart Use of Power

Progress is constant in the HVAC industry, and what was cutting-edge twenty years ago is now outdated.

For example, improved compressor designs transfer more heat, blower motors need less maintenance, and programmable thermostats regulate temperature without human intervention.

Fewer AC parts require frequent lubrication thanks to modern sealed bearings. Finally, two-stage systems make much better use of fuel, putting out fewer emissions and using up more of the fuel’s energy.

A Newer System Means Better Efficiency

It’s not just that currently manufactured HVAC systems have better technology, though that is part of the equation. The issue is that as HVAC systems age, they become less efficient. Bearings wear out, motors put out less power, tree limbs and debris get lodged in moving parts, and the performance of the compressor drops.

An HVAC tune-up can keep your system working better for longer, but no matter how much maintenance you do, your HVAC system has a finite lifespan, and its efficiency will decrease.

The problem with having an older system is that even when you replace a worn-out part, another one will likely need to be replaced soon.

The bigger problem is that no AC component exists in a vacuum; each part’s performance has a direct impact on the parts around it. Near-failure parts can and will drag down your HVAC system’s performance — and they’ll cause further wear and tear on the other components!

In terms of numbers, HVAC systems can lose up to 1% of their overall efficiency every year. This means that a twenty-year-old system may have lost up to 20% of its efficiency.

An Opportunity for Upgrades

While you can upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system at any time, new insulation can also improve heating and cooling throughout your home.

Insulating and sealing your ducts will help the system control air temperatures with up to 20% less energy. Cleaning your ducts can also improve air quality and put less stress on the system. Adding insulation to your attic, floors, or walls will also keep your HVAC system from working too hard to maintain your desired temperatures.

Upgrade Your HVAC System With Southern Air

If you’re ready to see the benefits of a new, more efficient HVAC system, then you need the experts at Southern Air! Whether you just want to give your current system a tune-up or you’re ready to swap it out for an energy-efficient HVAC, we provide quick, thorough, and professional service.

Enjoy comfy air with lower power bills — contact Southern Air today!