As energy bills go up, more people seek practical ways to knock a few dollars off their monthly bills. Switching to energy-efficient appliances or smart home upgrades is great, but the most effective way is regular seasonal maintenance. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of your home uses a considerable amount of energy all year long. Even the smallest inefficiencies can result in unexpectedly high energy bills.
Seasonal maintenance of HVAC systems is best known for being one of the best ways of keeping your home comfortable; however, that is not all. They are also increasing the system efficiency, prolonging the equipment’s lives, and saving you money. This article explains how seasonal upkeep can impact your energy bills.
The Cost-Saving Power of Preventive Care
While you may think your HVAC system is no problem, little problems can cycle over time without you noticing. If the system has to work harder to achieve the results, it is taking more energy to achieve those goals as well, which of course, means higher energy bills.
Seasonal maintenance comes into play there as well. You can call in an HVAC pro to perform regular routine check-ups at the beginning of each heating or cooling season, and if they do notice these inefficiencies, they can definitely start fixing them before the problems get extremely pricey. All of these things translate to your system consuming less energy to heat or cool your home.
Working with a reliable and experienced HVAC contractor in Fenton, MI, like First Choice Heating & Cooling is a promising way to ensure your system works at its top performance. These check-ups, however, can now help you save time and energy and even save some money in the long run.
Spring and Summer Maintenance: Prepare for the Heat
Your air conditioning system becomes essential as temperatures start to rise and you want to maintain indoor comfort. If it hasn’t run since last summer, it may not be as spry as you expect to have to cope with the heat of summer.
Spring HVAC maintenance typically includes:
- Inspecting and replacing air filters
- Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
- Refilling if the refrigerant levels need checking
- Testing thermostat calibration
- Taking a look at electrical components for places of wear or corrosion
Your home runs cleaner and cools down better without overexerting your air conditioning; however, your air conditioning unit runs more efficiently, uses less energy, and will last you longer. The U.S. Department of Energy says cleaning or replacing your AC’s air filters every 1–2 months can reduce energy consumption up to 15 percent.
For example, finding a leak in the refrigerant or dodgy fan motors early prevents a breakdown whilst the heatwave is in full swing, and subconsciously, prices for HVAC service calls rise as well.
Fall and Winter Maintenance: Ready for the Cold
When autumn comes around and the air becomes cooler, your heating system is what gets impacted most. Furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers must be in good shape to run efficiently.
Typical fall HVAC maintenance includes:
- Inspect the burners and heat exchangers and clean them
- Checking gas connections for leaks
- Testing carbon monoxide detectors
- Calibrating thermostats
- Looking into ductwork for leaks or blockages
An inefficient heating system will also cost you more because it takes more fuel or electricity to get to where you want it. This saves you from spending money on keeping your home cozy when the season starts, as you will ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Energy Efficiency Through Better Airflow and Insulation
But more than just tuning up your HVAC system, seasonal maintenance often entails inspecting your home’s entire energy envelope. For instance, roughly 30% of air loss in forced air systems can result from a leaky ductwork, especially in an unconditioned space, like an attic or basement.
Leak sealing and insulation where necessary, improve airflow to help your HVAC perform for the same results. If yours is a standard forced air system and your seasonal checkup is also being used as an opportunity to get a new installation, your technician may also suggest installing a programmable thermostat or that you upgrade to a more efficient HVAC unit.
If you use programs, you could save an estimated $100 a year as described in the ENERGY STAR’s guide for thermostats, with any savings potentially greater depending on personal usage patterns.
Long-Term Financial Benefits of Routine Maintenance
Some of the obvious financial benefits of seasonal maintenance include lower monthly energy bills, but there are many long-term advantages you should consider.
- Fewer breakdowns and emergency repairs: Early catching will help prevent system failures when everything goes to pot.
- Improved equipment lifespan: A well-managed HVAC system will last 15 to 20 years, while neglected systems fail much earlier.
- Home value: The documented history of HVAC maintenance can be a strong selling point to buyers who prefer energy-efficient homes and therefore increase home value.
- Proof of maintenance: Some manufacturers need to provide proof of routine maintenance to ensure the validity of warranties. If you skip tune-ups, you might be footing the repair bill for something you should have had covered by the tune-up.
DIY Maintenance Tips Between Professional Visits
Hiring a certified technician for a complete inspection is the best option, but homeowners can also do some steps themselves to improve energy efficiency:
- Change air filters every 1–3 months
- Clean and unobstructed vents and registers
- Keep vegetation away from outdoor AC units for more airflow
- A useful way to circulate air while reducing HVAC load is with ceiling fans.
- Check your energy bills for spikes that were not there before
- Consider using a business energy comparison table to track how much you are saving.
Small efforts such as these can help to reduce reliance on energy and create fewer problems in the future when it is time for your yearly service appointment.
It’s not glamorous, but maybe you haven’t thought about how smart the proactive maintenance of seasonal HVAC is to save you so much on your monthly energy. Whether you’re after some comfort from the summer heat or some peace of mind from the winter, a taken care of system remains the best way to go.
Reliable HVAC services are certainly preferred if you do make a habit of hiring experts for maintenance or repairs. By keeping your system in its peak performance, your system will offer year-round comfort while saving energy.
