How to Lower Your Energy Bill

At a glance: 

• Your HVAC system can account for up to 60-70% of your energy bill. 
• Insulating your home, regularly checking your air filters, and upgrading your HVAC systems are some of the best ways to lower your energy bill. 
• Upgrading your HVAC system helps you save money in the long run, while also decreasing your carbon footprint. 

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Are you tired of watching your energy bill continue to go up and up? What if we told you that your outdated HVAC system could be the root of the cause? There are plenty of ways you can chip a few dollars off your power bill here and there, but if you want to see a real difference, consider insulating your home, replacing your air filters, or upgrading your HVAC system all together. 

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Let’s start by breaking your energy bill down

If you’ve been asking yourself “How much of my energy bill is typically attributed to heating and cooling?” you’re not the only one. The short answer is, way more than you might expect. According to a study from the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for the largest part of your energy bill, which comes out to about 48%. Water heating comes in second place at about 14% of your bill, with appliances at 13%, and lighting at 9%. 

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Your HVAC system can account for up to 60-70% of your energy bill, especially if you live somewhere with extreme temperatures. This is one of many reasons why it pays to optimize your HVAC systems. 

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Here are a few ways to lower your energy bill: 

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1) Insulate your home 

Insulation essentially creates a barrier between your home and the outside elements, allowing your home to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It works by reducing heat transfer, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work harder when temperatures become more extreme in either direction. The harder your HVAC system works, the higher your energy bill will be. 

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"Most homeowners feel drafty windows and think they are the biggest cause of high energy bills or an uncomfortable home, but it's more often low insulation levels. Windows only account for an average of 15% of a home's surface area. Fixing insulation is also typically a much lower investment than fixing windows."

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2) Checking and replacing your air filters regularly 

Think of your HVAC system's air filter as its lungs. When filters are clogged with dust and debris, your system has to work harder, consuming more energy. Luckily, regular maintenance ensures these "lungs" remain clear, keeping airflow moving and reducing strain on your HVAC system. By replacing your air filters regularly, you not only improve energy efficiency but also enhance indoor air quality and extend the life of your HVAC equipment. Talk about a win-win. 

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“Cleaning and replacing your air filters not only improves your HVAC’s efficiency by 20%, but also provides cleaner, healthier air for your home.”

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3) Upgrade your HVAC system 

Upgrading your HVAC system can help you save big. Think of it like trading in an old, gas-guzzling SUV for a brand new fuel-efficient model with all the bells and whistles. Today’s HVAC systems also have tons of features designed to help you stay energy efficient and lower your energy bill. Below are just a few: 

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• Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. This way, your HVAC system can take a breather while you’re away at work and boot back up just in time for you to come back to a comfortable home.  Smart thermostats take things one step further and become better and better at adapting your heating and cooling preferences the more you use them. 

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• Zoning systems divide your home into different temperature zones, allowing you to only heat or cool certain parts of your home. So if you’re a hot sleeper and need to blast the AC in your bedroom, but don’t plan on using the kitchen until you wake up, a zoning system could help you save on your energy bill. 

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The perks of upgrading your HVAC system

While a new HVAC system can cost around $15,000-$50,000 on average, you can expect to save between 20-30% on your heating and cooling costs each year. Let’s break down how this adds up over time. 

The average American spends $149 a month on their electric bill, or $1,788 a year, which means an upgrade can save more than $536 a year for 15-20 years. In addition to your annual savings, most homeowners are eligible for up to $16,000 in government rebates and incentives, making your upgrade a wise investment with a great return in the long run. 

Not only are you lowering your energy bills each month, you’re also getting smarter, better, longer-lasting technology. Plus, you can feel even better knowing you’re doing your part to decrease your carbon footprint. 

The TL;DR is that upgrading your HVAC system practically pays for itself. 

Tetra can help you lower your energy bills.

At Tetra, we understand that upgrading your HVAC system can be intimidating. That’s why we help you get instant quotes, set you up with an expert contractor, handle all paperwork, maximizing your rebates.

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If you’re ready to start saving money while saving the planet, you can set up your free heating and cooling consultation with one of our experts today. 

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Sources: 

https://utilitiesone.com/the-importance-of-regular-maintenance-for-energy-efficient-hvac-systems

https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/what-uses-most-electricity-in-my-home

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/hvac/new-hvac-system-cost/

https://energy5.com/calculating-potential-savings-with-hvac-system-energy-rebates

https://www.solar.com/learn/average-electric-bill/