A new HVAC unit isn’t just an expense — it’s an investment that, if designed properly, will save you money over the next 10 years. By following these three steps, you will reduce your utility bills in your Ruther Glen, Virginia, home while maximizing your system’s operating lifespan.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Conventional thermostats keep your home at a constant temperature until you manually change them, but this has two downsides. People require different temperatures throughout the day, and keeping your home at 72 degrees 24 hours a day wastes a lot of energy. For example, you can turn the temperature up to 80 or even 85 degrees during the day when you are at work.
Your HVAC system will still run enough to keep humidity at bay. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature back down to 75 degrees just in time for you to return home.
Opt for a Slightly Higher SEER Rating
Even a baseline 14-SEER model today will be light-years ahead of any decade-old HVAC system in terms of energy efficiency. However, you can further reduce your energy consumption by upgrading to a 16- or 18-SEER unit. Trane does manufacture a 22-SEER model, but an 18-SEER model only uses 22 percent more energy than the 22-SEER unit.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
HVAC systems are designed to be very robust and work for at least a decade, but they will perform better and work longer with regular maintenance. Maintenance once a year is a minimum, but twice a year will net you the biggest savings. Dirty coils, in particular, will make your system work harder, which can shave years off of its lifespan while costing you hundreds of dollars more per year.
No matter what, a new HVAC unit will save you money while keeping you more comfortable, but these three tips will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Looking for more energy-saving tips? Call Total Comfort today.
