How to Best Beat the Rising Cost of Rising Temps
Springtime heat waves in many parts of the world have led to record sales of home air conditioners by manufacturers such as Voltas, Panasonic, Hitachi, LG and Haier. Sales have also been boosted by pent-up demand, with low sales in April 2021, when businesses were impacted by the second wave of COVID-19.
Sales since the end of the pandemic have passed 2019 levels, and from one summer to the next, high temperature records continue to be broken around the world.
Increased demand plus unstable supply chain have made it difficult for manufacturers to hold down prices, particularly for 5-Star-rated products.
Climate change is exacerbating the problem. As summers get hotter and hotter, more and more people need air conditioning, even in parts of the world that have historically gotten by without it.
What’s a Homeowner with an Aging HVAC System To Do?
Stick to a Strict Maintenance Schedule
If you have a technician from your trusted HVAC contractor come out twice a year to calibrate, adjust, clean and lubricate your system, it will not only work more efficiently, but will last longer. Some HVAC companies, like Jansen Heating & Cooling, have a Maintenance Club for customers. Customers get service reminders, special pricing and preferred appointment times in order to encourage them to maintain their HVAC systems routinely.
Use an HVAC Provider Who Knows Your System
Even the best-maintained equipment will eventually need costly repairs and/or replacement. If you have a regular maintenance provider you trust and rely on, it will be easier to know when the time is coming for these expensive changes. A good HVAC technician watching the wear and tear on your system will be able to predict when major repairs and/or replacement are needed.
Choose Wisely with the Help of a Partner You Trust
When it’s time to make a big investment, you don’t want to consult with someone who knows nothing about your HVAC needs. Your regular technician will be in the best position to advise you about what you should purchase, given the size of your home, your heating and cooling needs, and how long you plan to stay in your home. They will know the prices and performance of the various brands, having lots of experience working on them at your neighbors’ houses.
Buy From Someone Who Sets Their Prices Fairly
By the same token, if your HVAC provider has always been fair about pricing in the past, for service and maintenance, they will probably steer you toward the best deal at replacement time, as well. You can trust their experience, and you already know that they have built their business on providing great service to their clients.
Get a Guarantee
One way to shield yourself from unpleasant cost surprises is to use an HVAC company that guarantees their work. Jansen offers a 100% price guarantee — we will never charge more than our estimate, no matter what the job eventually entails — and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you aren’t happy, we promise to make it right.
Make Your Home as Energy-Efficient as Possible
Lowering your gas and electric usage can lower your energy bill by as much as 25%.
Here are some ideas from NerdWallet:
- Check the seals on your windows, doors and appliances.
- Fix leaky ductwork.
- Give your thermostat a nudge down in the winter and up in the summer.
- Adjust your fridge and freezer temperature down.
- Take shorter showers.
- Replace your shower head.
- Don’t wash clothes that don’t need it in hot water.
- Fix leaky faucets.
- Adjust the temperature on your water heater down.
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances.
- Ask about discounted rates from your energy provider.
- Swap out your lightbulbs with energy efficient versions.
- Install dimmer switches.
- Use smart power strips.
- Do an energy analysis.
None of these will prevent you from someday having to buy a new HVAC system. But they can help you save now so when the time comes, you have the money for an AC appropriate to your needs.