In Chicago, the winters can be bone-chilling. To make matters worse, the summers can be scorching. As Chicagoans, we can’t help but love it! That doesn’t mean we’re willing to sacrifice comfort, though, which is why HVAC system installation and repair services tend to be in high demand all year round.
Unfortunately, keeping your home comfortable all year long can get expensive. If you recently moved to Chicago and have noticed that your energy bills have spiked, don’t worry — that’s normal. The normality of this situation doesn’t make it any less jarring, though.
Thankfully, by using certain strategies, homeowners in Chicago can save money on heating and cooling costs. This will involve making sure that your HVAC system is as energy-efficient as possible. We’ll be going over these strategies and answering all of your questions about energy-efficient heating and cooling in this article, so stick around!
The Importance of Regular HVAC Maintenance
Is your HVAC unit caked with dust? Perhaps you’ve noticed some strange noises (or worse, smells) coming from it. This happens because, over time, dust and debris can build up in your HVAC system and cause it to work harder than necessary. This, unfortunately, can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
This is why it’s important to schedule routine maintenance checks with a qualified HVAC technician. This is where Wantuck comes in — our technicians are extremely well-trained, and we’re familiar with the intense Chicago weather. If you’re worried about dust and debris build-up in your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Here’s a quick rundown of what will happen during a maintenance visit by Wantuck Comfort Solutions:
1. Inspection and Cleaning: The technician will inspect and clean the different components of your HVAC system, including the ductwork, filters, and coils.
2. Make Necessary Repairs: They’ll check for any signs of damage, and make repairs if necessary.
3. Discuss Upgrades: In some cases, they might suggest upgrading or replacing your HVAC system.
By getting regular maintenance checks done, you’ll be able to prolong the lifespan of your HVAC unit and lower your energy bills. We’d highly recommend it!
Tips For Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling
When it comes to energy-efficient heating and cooling, there are a few tips we’d recommend following:
Install a Programmable Thermostat
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in your home is to install a programmable thermostat. If you’re thinking “What the heck is that?” you’re definitely not alone.
Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific heating and cooling schedules based on your daily routine. Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to make sure that your HVAC system only operates when necessary — that’s what makes these devices energy-efficient.
To give you an example, you can program your programmable thermostat to lower the temperature in your home when you’re asleep or at work, and raise it again right before you wake up or return home. Sounds pretty convenient, right? The investment is worth it, too, since you’ll be saving a lot of money on utility bills in the long run.
Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation
This just in: your home shouldn’t be drafty if your windows aren’t open! You might feel like small air leaks around your windows and doors aren’t a big deal, but even tiny leaks can cause inside air to get out and outside air to get in. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, leading to increased utility bills.
If you feel like air leaks are causing your HVAC system to be less energy-efficient, you should definitely give Wantuck Comfort Solutions a call. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home, and, if you like, we can even seal those leaks for you with caulk or weatherstrips (you can also do this yourself, but if you feel like you need help from a professional, don’t hesitate to ask us to do it for you).
You may also want to upgrade your insulation to improve your HVAC system’s energy efficiency even more. Proper insulation helps maintain consistent indoor air temperatures all year long, so it’s worth taking into consideration.
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
When it comes to energy efficiency, not all heating and cooling appliances are created equal. Some HVAC units, for example, aren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind. These units tend to use up way more energy than they need to — which isn’t ideal for a number of reasons. Not only are they bad for the environment, but you’ll be paying a whole lot more than you need to for energy costs!
By choosing energy-efficient appliances (we can help you pick these out if you like), you’ll be able to save money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t just settle for an energy-efficient HVAC system, either. Energy-efficient furnaces and heat pumps will be fantastic additions to your home as well! Installing energy-efficient appliances might be an investment at first, but it’ll be well worth it in the long run.
Potential Rebates or Tax Incentives
In addition to long-term energy savings, homeowners in Chicago may also be eligible for rebates or tax incentives for investing in energy-efficient upgrades to their HVAC systems. For example, as of 2022, the Illinois EPA offers home energy rebate programs for those who have made energy-efficient home improvements (including HVAC system upgrades, air sealing, and proper insulation).
Improve Energy-Efficiency in Your Home With Wantuck Comfort Solutions
There’s nothing worse than discovering that your utility bills are through the roof. If you discover that these high utility bills could have been avoided by upgrading your HVAC system to be more energy-efficient, that’s even more frustrating!
By getting frequent maintenance checks for your HVAC system and being proactive about following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to save a lot of money on energy costs. Feel free to reach out to Wantuck if you have any questions or want to schedule a maintenance appointment!
