Winter will be here before you know it, and many homeowners will see their utility bills rise as they try to fight cold temperatures. Much of this increase is due to the HVAC system having to run more often than in other months of the year. Making small changes and upgrades to your home’s heating system can lead to significant savings during the coldest months of the year. KD Mechanical can help homeowners get the most from their HVAC system by inspecting the unit for issues and making repairs and upgrades. Here are four HVAC improvements that will lower your monthly utility bills.
Have Routine Maintenance Performed
Like any piece of machinery, the HVAC system in your home needs to be regularly maintained to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency. If an HVAC system that isn’t maintained loses 15 percent of its effectiveness, it leads to significant increases in utility costs for the homeowner. Professionals like KD Mechanical can inspect an HVAC system to make sure there are no issues that prevent it from working effectively. An ineffective HVAC unit has to run harder and longer to bring a room to its ideal temperature. Our technicians can find and solve small issues before they blossom into huge problems. Our team members can clear the drain lines, check refrigerant levels, lubricate motors and bearings, clean the coils, and calibrate the system. These actions should reduce the runtime required and lower operating costs.
Switch to Programmable Thermostats
Your thermostat may seem like a minor piece of equipment when compared to other parts of the HVAC system, but that isn’t the case. Because thermostats determine when your HVAC units start to run, they play a vital role in determining how much you spend on utility costs. A malfunctioning thermostat could cause the system to run when it’s not necessary. Property owners should consider switching to a wireless, programmable thermostat, such as the ones you can get from KD Mechanical. It’s estimated that proper use of programmable thermostats can save up to 30 percent on HVAC-related utility bills. Wireless thermostats also make it easier to fine-tune the temperature of a building for the time you wake up, go to bed, or when no one is in the house.
Ensure Your HVAC System is the Right Capacity
One of the essential factors in determining the efficiency of an HVAC unit is its capacity. An HVAC unit is designed to condition a certain amount of air in a given period. Builders and contractors are supposed to run load calculations before selecting HVAC equipment for a property. Miscalculating in either direction can lead to unnecessarily high utility costs. A property with an underpowered HVAC system will struggle to stay at the ideal temperature, and the system has to work longer to keep up. On the flip side, an overpowered HVAC system will use more energy than what’s truly needed for a particular space. Even if they don’t have to run as much, the quick on and off can negatively impact HVAC unit longevity and severely degrades system efficiency. HVAC experts like KD Mechanical can let you know if your system is the right capacity for your building.
Upgrade to a New, More Energy-Efficient HVAC system
HVAC units wear out over time. It’s possible to repair them, but there comes a time when it’s smarter to have a new HVAC system installed. Technology is always advancing, and the latest HVAC systems on the market are significantly more efficient and environmentally friendly than units made 10 to 20 years ago. If your system is already 12 to 15 years old and you’re thinking about repairing it, it may be time to upgrade to something newer. The savings on your monthly utility bill will cover the cost of the replacement over the life of the unit. KD Mechanical can help you find the ideal HVAC system and install it in your building.
If you think your HVAC system needs service, repairs, or replacement, KD Mechanical can help. Send us a message online to let us know what your issues are, and we’ll come out to give you an estimate.