Nothing lasts forever, and your home’s HVAC system is no different. Central air is a major investment, and without proper budgeting, you may have to wait to install a new system or get stuck with a financing contract that costs you more money in the long run. When the time comes to replace your heating and cooling equipment, knowing how to save money on a new HVAC system can mean the difference between purchasing something reliable and efficient at a reasonable price and emptying all your savings into a system that wastes energy and doesn’t last.
This article offers tips on shopping for the best HVAC system for your home and ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. At BVS Home Experts, we approach each interaction with our customers honestly and transparently. If you need a reliable HVAC technician in Sugar Land, TX, or the surrounding area, call us today.
Read on to learn how to save money on a new HVAC system!
1. Tax Credits and Local Utility Incentives
Congress has created a tax credit for homeowners who upgrade their HVAC system to a more energy-efficient model to receive up to $3,200 a year until 2032. Purchasing a new Energy Star-certified system is an excellent way to shave loads of money off your upfront costs. Many states and local utility companies also offer rebates and other incentives for switching to high-efficiency systems.
Do some research on your local utility options and see if you can take advantage of the federal tax credit and bundle it with any benefits your state and local utility providers offer.
2. Request an In-Home Consultation
Many HVAC contractors will provide a free quote over the phone or through email. They’ll ask for the square footage of your home and the model or the serial number of your current HVAC unit and make an estimate based solely on that information. Unfortunately, when the technician arrives at your home and sees the state of things in person, the price may become drastically different.
Choose an HVAC company that will send a professional to your property to take measurements, inspect your current equipment, check your home’s ductwork, and test your thermostat. This practice enables the technician to give you a more precise quote, so you won’t get hit with any surprises during the installation.
3. Look for Manufacturer’s Rebates
When learning how to save money on a new HVAC system, you can’t ignore rebates.
Some manufacturers offer rebates on particular makes or models of HVAC systems. Low-efficiency systems that cost less typically won’t have a discount or rebate attached, but high-efficiency air conditioners and furnaces often have cash-back rewards or significant rebates. You can also find offers for financing with a lower interest rate for purchasing more eco-friendly equipment.
4. Save on Energy Costs
The older your HVAC system gets, the more problems it will begin to have. When the system doesn’t run smoothly, it becomes less efficient. The harder the system works to bring your home to the thermostat setting, the more energy it wastes.
Buying a new, high-efficiency HVAC system ensures your energy bills won’t begin to skyrocket anytime soon. High-efficiency systems come with a higher price tag, but the tax credits and years of savings on energy costs and repair bills more than make up for it.
5. Get Your New Furnace and Air Conditioner Installed Together
The best time to buy a new air conditioner is in the spring because the cold season has just ended and HVAC manufacturers will offer discounts and financing incentives. For the same reason, the best time to purchase a new furnace is in the fall. However, if you can afford it, you’ll save the most money and cut installation costs by purchasing them at the same time.
An HVAC company is more likely to offer discounts on your heating and cooling units if you buy them together. Having the technician come to install your air conditioner and furnace on the same day also lowers installation costs.
6. Install a Heat Pump
An air conditioner uses refrigerant to pull heat from the air within your home and distribute it outside, but it can’t bring the heat back in. A furnace burns fuel to create heat and send it through your home’s ductwork. By installing a heat pump, you’ll have one appliance to heat and cool your home.
A heat pump cools your home by extracting heat from the air the same way an air conditioner does, but it also introduces heat to your home by pulling heat from the air outside and bringing it in. Purchasing a heat pump means you don’t have to pay for separate heating and cooling units. They are also much more energy-efficient and don’t use gas or oil to produce heat.
7. Install a Smart Thermostat
With old thermostats, your heating and cooling options were to leave your heater or air conditioner on all day, set them on a simple timer, or shut them off entirely. A smart thermostat enables you to control your HVAC system from a touchscreen remote, smartphone, smart speaker, or tablet. Thanks to modern technology, you can update timers whenever you need to, set specific temperatures for each room in your home, and monitor your energy use.
Your smart thermostat records your energy usage so you can make changes to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Becoming aware of your energy consumption habits will help you reduce unnecessary use of your heating and cooling system. Homeowners who install smart thermostats experience savings of up to 23% on their utility bills.
Call BVS Home Experts Today!
Knowing how to save money on a new HVAC system is essential for all homeowners who want to keep their houses comfortable. Working with an honest, dependable company is one of the best ways to ensure you get a fair deal on your heating and cooling system.
For HVAC services you can trust, contact our team at BVS Home Experts. Explore our HVAC efficiency tips and call our office in Katy, TX, at 281-809-6417 to schedule an appointment.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
