How HVAC Efficiency Impacts Monthly Costs
Why Is My Energy Bill So High?
Have you been noticing an unexplained rise in your energy bill? Your HVAC system could be a big part of the story. Heating and cooling make up a significant portion of monthly utility costs. If your HVAC system isn’t working efficiently, it can quickly drive up expenses. It may even be the things you don’t think about, such as the age of your unit, a missed tune up, or overheating different rooms. So, let’s talk about how HVAC efficiency (or lack there of) can impact your monthly energy bill costs.
Age of Your HVAC System
Like anything machinery, HVAC systems lose efficiency as they age. An older unit may require more power to produce the same level of comfort that it used to, leading to higher energy costs. If your HVAC system is over 10-15 years old, it’s likely not as efficient as a newer model would be. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient unit might require an upfront investment but can save you money over time by lowering your monthly utility bills.
Filter Maintenance
We hope you’ve been changing out your filters! A clogged or dirty air filter makes your HVAC system work harder to push air through, which means it uses more energy. When your ducts filters are clogged, it may also be pushing out more dust, lowering your air quality and possibly forcing you to open windows or add external units. Checking and replacing filters regularly—about every 1-3 months—helps maintain airflow and HVAC efficiency. A quick filter change is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep energy costs in check and improve indoor air quality.
Thermostat Settings
The temperature settings on your thermostat have a big impact on energy consumption. Did you know there are ideal settings for every season?
- Ideal setting for Winter: 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home, and 60-65 degrees when you’re asleep or away
- Ideal setting for Summer: 72-75 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home, and 78 when you are away
Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter can make a noticeable difference in your bill. Smart thermostats add even more control, allowing you to set schedules, monitor usage, and make adjustments remotely, which can help keep your home comfortable without wasting energy.
Ductwork and Insulation
Your ductwork carries conditioned air throughout your home. However, if it’s not well-sealed or insulated, you could be losing a significant amount of that air—and paying to heat or cool spaces that don’t get the full benefit. Leaky ducts or poor insulation force your HVAC system to run longer, consuming more energy in the process.
A duct inspection and sealing can help HVAC efficiency and ensure you get the most out of your heating and cooling.
Routine Maintenance
Routine HVAC maintenance is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most effective ways to maintain energy efficiency. During a maintenance check, Beach Air will clean components, check refrigerant levels, and address any mechanical issues that could be reducing efficiency.
Just like your car, your HVAC system runs best when it’s regularly serviced. Skipping these checks can lead to inefficiencies and costly repairs down the line.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
The SEER rating of your HVAC unit tells you how energy-efficient it is—higher ratings mean better efficiency. If your unit has a lower SEER rating, it’s likely consuming more energy than necessary, especially during peak seasons. Upgrading to a unit with a higher SEER rating can provide better efficiency. Because of that, it can help in lowering energy costs, especially in warmer climates like Myrtle Beach. In fact, even going from a 16 SEER to an 18 SEER unit can potentially increase your unit’s efficiency by up to 12%.
Boost Your HVAC Efficiency with Beach Air
your HVAC system plays a major role in your home’s energy costs, and small inefficiencies can quickly add up to higher bills. By keeping up with regular maintenance, monitoring settings, and ensuring your system is as efficient as possible, you can keep costs down and comfort levels up.
Let Beach Air help you improve your system’s HVAC efficiency. We are committed to providing top-notch service to help you get the most out of your HVAC system. Beach Air HVAC are your trusted local HVAC technicians ready to take on any problems you may have year-round. Learn more about how we can help or give us a call at 843-796-3798 for a consultation.