Help Customers Cut Costs

America’s homeowners continue their ongoing balancing act between curbing home climate costs and maintaining family comfort levels.

This offers HVAC professionals the opportunity to provide valuable low- or no-cost tips.

Since home heating and cooling accounts for more (54 percent) of home energy use, this information is sure to result in customer satisfaction.

Leverage the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act allocates efficient improvements that save customers money in the long run. These improvements include highly-efficient heating and cooling appliances like heat pumps.

For example, households can claim a tax credit for 30 percent of the costs of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000, including support for any electric system upgrades needed to make the home heat-pump-ready.

Further, many manufacturers offer valuable rebates. The Inflation Reduction Act will provide income eligible households up to $14,000 when fully implemented in 2024.

Raise Your Rating

System performance is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating for air conditioners and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heat pump systems. Similar to a car’s miles per gallon, a higher rating means better energy-efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. Federal and local rebates are based on higher efficiency ratings.

Find Your Efficiency Comfort Zone

Many folks live in homes designed for large families and haven’t downsized after children have grown and moved out. If customers find themselves using a fraction of their home on a regular basis, they might want to consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless system.

Zoned systems will allow them to save energy heating and cooling spaces where they don’t spend a lot of time. This will multiply savings as they’re not only needing less heating or cooling, but they also gain from a more efficient system in the spaces they do still use.

Seal the Deal

Customers can enjoy a 10 to 20 percent energy savings by simply sealing air leaks. One of th quickest energy- and money-saving tasks is to caulk, seal and weather strip all cracks and large openings to the outside.

Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.

Turn it Down

Even a slight temperature decrease can make a difference. You can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat by seven to ten degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.

For example, keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and set it as high as is comfortable when you are home.

Ward off Energy Vampires

An “energy vampire” is a device that continues to draw power even when it is turned off or idle- accounting for as much as 20 percent of your electric bill.

A few examples are coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers, laptops and other appliances that are plugged in but aren’t in use all the time. Unplug them completely or connect them to advanced power strips that will cut power when appropriate.

Work Your Windows

About 76 percent of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat, according to the U.S. Department of energy.

Close all windows and coverings to keep your house cool. For natural light, open window coverings that don’t get direct sunlight.

Choose Coverings Wisely

Not all coverings are created equal. Cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60 percent. Window blinds are effective at reducing summer heat gain and reducing glare, while providing good daylight indoors.

Close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Studies show that medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33 percent.

Overall, the secret to your customer satisfaction success is to empower them with information. A comprehensive, “whole-house” approach is best.

By combining proper equipment maintenance and system upgrades with other elements, they can effectively cut energy use by 20 to 50 percent (U.S. Department of Energy). In short, you can make the perfect balance of energy-efficiency and comfort possible for your customers.

Dennis Stinson is the senior vice president of sales for Fujitsu General America, a national manufacturer of heating and cooling systems. Dennis leads a team of sales professionals and brings over 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Fujitsu, Dennis spent his career as a manufacturer’s representative representing various manufacturer’s in the HVAC industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.