Is My Heating and Air System the Reason for Rising Energy Bills?
Are you wondering why your energy bills go up in the summer or winter, and whether that means you need a new heating and air system? Lowering utility costs could be a minor maintenance task away – or those high costs might be a sign of larger HVAC issues. Uncover the real reason behind higher energy bills with essential insight from our trustedlocal heating and aircompany.
How can I reduce my seasonal energy bills?
- Change air filters regularly
- Mindfully adjust thermostat settings
- Address ductwork leaks
- Schedule annual professional maintenance
- Replace aged or ailing HVAC equipment
- Invest in high-performance heat and AC technology
Why Your Energy Bills Go Up in the Summer or Winter
Your heating and air system consumes the most energy among home appliances, accounting for 40-50% of utility costs. It’s wise to consider it as a possible culprit of rising energy costs. How can your HVAC system cause energy bills to increase?
Dirty air filters restrict air movement
Dust and debris clogging filters can waste up to 15% more energy as your system struggles to move air, making regular air filter replacement an easy way to save.
Improper thermostat adjustments inflate costs
Are you paying to heat or cool an empty house? Smart thermostats allow you to raise/lower temperature settings 7-10 degrees, saving up to 10% without sacrificing comfort. Our HVAC experts recommend 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter for maximum savings.
Losing heated and cooled air to leaky ducts
Air leaks and energy loss go hand in hand, reducing system efficiency by 20-30% as your system compensates for the loss of conditioned air. Sealing and insulating ducts offer an easy way to reduce energy waste and significantly improve comfort.
Improper maintenance impacts performance
Low refrigerant, dirty coils and filters, and other unidentified operational issues can inflate your energy bills and cause unexpected breakdowns. Scheduling seasonal HVAC maintenance in spring and fall, before temperature extremes, ensures efficient, reliable operation.
Aging heating and air systems don’t stack up
Today’s high-efficiency systems use 20-40% less energy than older models, keeping you more comfortable for less. When should you replace your HVAC system? We recommend upgrading heat pumps 10-15 years old and furnaces 15-20 years old, or if repairs cost 50%+ the price of replacement.
Inefficient systems cost you more monthly
HVAC energy efficiency ratings, including SEER for AC and AFUE for heaters, play a primary role in energy costs: The higher the rating, the less energy required to maintain comfort. When you invest in higher-performance equipment rather than low-price-point options, your savings compound quickly.
Regain Control Over Rising Energy Bills
Determine the real reason why your energy bills go up in the summer or winter with help from ACT Absolute Comfort Technology. Contact us at 509-388-2997 to schedule a professional HVAC inspection in Union Gap, Ellensburg, Richland, Pasco, Zilla, Cle Elum, Prosser, Grandview, or Yakima today.
