Not all energy saving tips are the same. Here are the things that will actually reduce your heating and cooling costs the most this year.
As much as 40% of annual energy costs are consumed by HVAC systems. If that system gets old or leaks air, it can cost you as much as $400 a year.
Depending on where you are in the United States, central air conditioning alone can cost anywhere from $340 to nearly $700 per year. If you have an older HVAC system, live in a hot climate, or don’t perform regular HVAC maintenance, your energy bills can be even higher.
USA TODAY spoke to HVAC experts at ARS, a national HVAC installer, to learn the best and easiest ways to save money on your energy bills.
Overview: Reduce your HVAC costs today
Conclusion: The easiest way to save on HVAC costs is to install a new, more energy-efficient HVAC model. But if that’s not in your budget, there are some more affordable fixes.
- Best overall savings: Replace your HVAC system
- Best value upgrade: Seal the ducts and add insulation
- Fastest return: Install a smart thermostat
- Most overlooked fixes: annual maintenance
- Easiest habit: Please replace the air filter
5 ways to save on air conditioning costs
1. Upgrade to a high efficiency HVAC system
remove: If your HVAC system is more than 10 to 15 years old, upgrading to a new HVAC unit can instantly save you hundreds of dollars per year.
If your energy costs are increasing rapidly from year to year, a new HVAC system may be in your future. Once executed, it will be saved immediately.
“Assuming the furnace and air conditioning system were upgraded this year and the conditions remain exactly the same every year. You can comfortably save 30-40% We compare the power usage of today’s systems to systems from 20 years ago,” says Steve Wade, senior director of operations and procurement at ARS.
2. Seal the ducts and improve insulation.
remove: Leaks in doors, ducts, and windows allow heat and cold to escape. Correcting this will save energy.
“Sealing the ducts, reducing air leakage, properly sealing the system…this is very important,” says Joey Dooley, general manager of ARS of Texas. When air escapes, your system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable, increasing your utility bills and increasing wear and tear on your equipment.
You should also check your doors and windows for drafts and use weatherstripping or caulk to patch any leaks. Even small leaks can add up, so strengthening your home’s exterior walls and ductwork systems improves efficiency and saves you money.
3. Install a smart thermostat
remove: Install a smart thermostat to manage your home’s temperature.
A more affordable alternative to a new HVAC system is to install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat sets your home on a regular schedule and manages the temperature inside.
“All smart home thermostats have the same ability to turn the temperature off when you’re away and turn it back on even when you’re home,” says Wade. Even just a few degrees can make a big difference in your energy bills.
For example, “If you leave the house in the morning to go to work Monday through Friday, you can lower the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees, allowing your home to be cooler or warmer depending on the season,” Wade explains. “Then, when you get home, you can get back to your desired temperature.”
4. Schedule annual HVAC maintenance
remove: Get your HVAC tuned up every spring and fall before repairs.
“Semi-annual maintenance is the norm,” says Dooley. Having your HVAC tuned up every spring and fall can help you identify minor problems before they develop into major and costly problems. HVAC maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system and also help you know when it’s time to replace it.
“Almost every manufacturer recommends it, but many also require virtually maintenance to protect their warranties,” Dooley adds. Whether it’s a manufacturer’s warranty or an extended HVAC warranty, maintenance records may be required to convert your warranty into cash.
5. Replace the air filter regularly
remove: Replace the filter every 1 to 3 months.
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is to replace your air filter at least every 1 to 3 months. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, putting a higher load on your HVAC unit and increasing your utility bills.
