Summer in the Lufkin and Nacogdoches areas of Texas is hot, and winter temperatures can drop into the chilly 30’s. No home can afford to be without heating and cooling. If you’ve noticed that your electric bill is creeping higher every year, it could be time to replace your HVAC system. Replacing an HVAC system is a big decision and an expense most people want to avoid. However, updating your HVAC unit can save you money in the long term.

A Lower Electric Bill

Heating and cooling systems account for almost 50 percent of a household’s electricity bill. As HVAC systems age they become less energy efficient. Today’s HVAC systems are designed to be more energy efficient. Look for air conditioners with the Energy Star label and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 14 and higher. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is. These units can reduce energy consumption by 20 percent and reduce your annual energy bill significantly.

Reduces Repair Costs

An aging HVAC system is going to break down more often. Regular HVAC repairs mean digging into your pocket more than you’d like to. Replacing the heating and air conditioning units separately is also not cost effective. Old HVAC systems are like old cars — they reach a point where they are simply not worth putting more money into them. Add to that the inconvenience of being without heating or cooling while it’s being fixed. Investing in a new high-quality, reliable HVAC unit, like a Carrier system, will save you money and frustration in the long run.

The Benefit of Automation

For further savings, consider a zoned system and programmable thermostat. This allows you to regulate the temperature in different parts of the house. If you live in a two-story house and spend most of your time downstairs during the day, you can switch off or lower the temperature upstairs. While at work, you can switch the HVAC off during the day and set it to switch it back on when you’re about to leave for home.  Not only does this reduce your electric bill but also means less wear and tear on the unit, saving money on maintenance and repairs.

Install the Right Type of System

There are two types of HVAC systems: a split system and a packaged unit. Opt for a split system. A split system puts the compressor and condenser outside and the evaporator and furnace or heat pump inside. A packaged unit combines everything in one outdoor unit. You may be tempted to choose the packaged unit because it’s smaller and cheaper to install but the split system is more energy-efficient. They come with SEER ratings between 13 and 25 compared to 10 to 18 for packaged units.

Install the Right Size

When installing an HVAC system, your contractor will determine the the right size system. A professional HVAC contractor will conduct a load calculation to assess the needs of the house and select an appropriately sized system. Too big and it won’t dehumidify well. Too small and it won’t heat and cool the house adequately. As a result, the wrong size HVAC unit will increase your electric bill as the system is working too hard to maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels.

Tax Rebates and Incentives

If you upgrade to a new HVAC system in Lufkin and Nacogdoches that ticks all the energy-saving boxes, you can save money in another way also. There are federal tax credits as well as state and municipal tax rebates you can take advantage of. Depending on the type of unit installed, a tax rebate can cover up to 30 percent of the cost of a new HVAC system. Also, check with your utility company if they offer any rebates and incentive programs for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Stop struggling with an inefficient HVAC system and high energy bills. If your heating and cooling system is 15 to 20 years old, it’s time to consider updating your HVAC system. The savings you’ll enjoy from a new and more energy-efficient system will, in time, offset the initial installation cost. Call McWilliams & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning at 877-936-1974 for a quote. We’ll do a load calculation to determine your home’s needs and recommend the system that best matches it.

Image provided by Shutterstock

877-936-1974
Jelly logo