Can a Heat Pump Lower Your Energy Bill?
Back to BlogToday’s homeowner is faced with many household issues that can drain the budget quickly. One of the biggest sources of excessive costs can be your home comfort system. If you are deciding how to update your equipment to improve your energy usage, you may find that a heat pump is an excellent choice for lowering your energy bills.
How Can a Heat Pump Lower My Bills?
If your existing system is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it with a new piece of equipment that is engineered to comply with higher energy performance standards. Minimum efficiency levels for air conditioners and pump heating units were raised in 2006 and again in 2010. Any equipment installed prior to these dates is likely to be much less efficient than a new unit meeting today’s minimum standards. A minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio for cooling performance is 13 or 14 based on the climate where the equipment will be installed. However, pump units can be purchased with a SEER of as high as 20.
An electric heating option can also complement your existing furnace, enabling you to curb some of your winter heating expenses. While a furnace is the most efficient heating choice for icy days, milder conditions don’t demand the all-out performance provided by a gas-fueled system. Electric heating allows you to take the chill out of the air on a mild day without driving your energy bills out of reach.
Additional Tips to Lower Energy Bills
If your equipment isn’t very old, you may not be ready for a new system. However, you may be puzzled by high bills and poor comfort control in your home. Another critical step in keeping your energy costs minimized is regular maintenance. Changing your air filter is important because a dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause your equipment to work harder. This can also reduce your potential for system malfunctions. However, professional maintenance prior to seasonal heating and cooling needs is important for ensuring that your equipment operates as intended by the manufacturer. A tune-up visit includes:
- Careful inspection of internal and external parts
- Cleaning of coils, heat exchangers and other components
- Adjustments and lubrication as needed
- Evaluation of refrigerant levels
- Thermostat testing and calibration
Your technician will inform you of problems that may cause your system to break down. He can also help you plan for the eventual replacement of your equipment. Servicing a neglected system can lower energy bills dramatically. If you make regular service a priority, you can prevent significant billing spikes.
Prevention Plus Planning
The experts at Conditioned Air, Inc., are dedicated to providing customers with excellent value and reliable service. By providing maintenance service, we can help you to get the maximum life from your home comfort equipment. We are also able to provide information about the best heat pumps, air conditioners and furnaces based on your home design and your family’s activities and needs. Contact our Warner Robins, GA, office to schedule a consultation or tune-up today.