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Why are my energy bills rising as it gets hotter in Edwardsville, IL?

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\As temperatures soar in Edwardsville, IL, many households face rising energy bills. If big utility bills are eating into your budget, there are a few key steps you can take to bring down your energy costs this summer. From simple tasks you can do yourself to a complete air conditioning tune-up, here are some key reasons why your utility costs are soaring, along with advice on what to do to resolve the problem.

1. Your HVAC Efficiency is Low

During the hot summer months, HVAC systems have to work their hardest. Energy bills that rise uncontrollably point to problems with HVAC efficiency. This is likely to be the case if your HVAC system is more than ten years old; older systems use outdated technologies that aren’t as efficient. If your HVAC system is more than a decade old, consider replacing it to bring down your home utility bills.

2. Your HVAC System Needs Maintenance

 Sometimes, simple maintenance solves the problem of your HVAC efficiency. Every spring, take the time to clean or replace the filters and consider service form a local pro. Regular maintenance allows air to flow freely through your AC system, which means it can run more efficiently.

3. Your HVAC Needs a Helping HandHVAC system efficiency edwardsville il

In addition to maintaining or upgrading your HVAC system, there are many other things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home. For example, even something as simple as closing the blinds on windows that face directly into the sun can decrease the amount of heat energy entering your home, which means your HVAC system does not have to work as hard to cool the space.

Installing insulation can also help to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Uninsulated walls and ceilings allow air to escape, meaning your system has to work harder. Basement and garage walls, as well as ceilings throughout the home, can be insulated to increase efficiency.

Additionally, it may be effective to seal holes and spaces around doors, windows plumbing fixtures and more. This also prohibits air from leaving.

To find out more about how you can keep your energy bills affordable this summer, get in touch with Morrison Plumbing. This team of Edwardsville, IL HVAC professionals can maintain or replace your home’s heating and cooling system to help improve its overall energy efficiency.

How to Measure HVAC Efficiency in Glen Carbon, IL

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How Should You Judge HVAC Efficiency in Glen Carbon, IL?hvac efficiency glen carbon il

When it comes to the numbers on your energy bills, no one wants to see those numbers grow higher and higher. However, as your system ages, it will lose efficiency. Furthermore, when HVAC efficiency starts to decrease, the numbers on your power bill will start to rise. When this happens, it’s time to think about replacing your system. But how can you track your HVAC efficiency to minimize the effects of outdated HVAC equipment? First, you can hire a qualified HVAC contractor to measure your system efficiency and provide necessary repairs. Additionally, your HVAC technician is sure to use some of the common measurements to report on the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Here are those measurements and what they mean for your HVAC efficiency…

1. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

MERV is a measure of the effectiveness of your air filter. What this actually measures is the size of the holes in your air filter, which is helpful when compared with the specs of your system. Filters with a high MERV rating have smaller holes, which means they filter out smaller particles. However, this tends to obstruct airflow, which could hurt your system efficiency. Change filters with a high MERV rating, frequently.

2. Heating Seasonal Factor Performance (HSFP)

HSFP is a measure that’s used to determine the efficiency of a heat pump. A high HSFP rating is a good thing and means that the total heat output is favorable when compared to the total electrical energy being used by the system. Unless you have HVAC training, you probably won’t understand how to calculate this number – best to call a professional.

3. Energy Star Ratinghvac technician glen carbon il

The Energy Star Rating is used to label machines that have been specially built for to conserve energy while offering no decrease in system effectiveness as mandated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rating covers everything from laptops to refrigerators and, of course, heating and cooling equipment. Additionally, Energy Star products can be identified by a sticker on the machine, or you can find more information about Energy Start Products, here.

4. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

The EER rating is used to measure cooling systems above a certain temperature. Mainly this measure tells how well your system functions during peak operation during hot summer days. Measured in BTUs, this is another number that it would be hard to find without an HVAC technician. However, some manufacturers and websites will have these numbers listed for more recent air conditioning systems. Talk to your local professional if you can’t find your number online.

5. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

Like EER, contractors use the SEER rating to measure the efficiency of a cooling system with one main difference. The SEER rating accounts for total usage over a 12-month period and is a more accurate depiction of overall air conditioning efficiency throughout the entire season. The Energy Star Rating includes this; however, if your system is older, you may find it difficult to locate this measurement.

Questions about system measurements? Contact a Morrison technician to inspect your system and make energy efficiency recommendations.

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