How to Reduce HVAC Operating Costs by Protecting and Optimizing Your System

As outdoor temperatures start to climb your HVAC system costs are at risk of rising with it. The two major culprits of high operating costs are greater energy consumption and an increase in expensive maintenance and repairs. The underlying cause of higher energy consumption is typically driven by inefficient systems and the increase in costly maintenance and repairs is attributed to excessive stress on an HVAC system. Let’s break down the main causes of these issues, the cost for consumers, and identify simple solutions that can result in substantial savings.

What are the main causes of HVAC system failure? 

Excessive system stress is the main cause of HVAC system failure, but where is this stress coming from and what part of the system does it affect? Beyond the stress of normal operating conditions, excessive stress is usually related to three critical factors related to operating conditions including: refrigerant and refrigerant oil temperature, condensation formation, and inrush currents during system startup.  

How much does maintaining HVAC systems cost?

Each of these factors has a unique impact on the lifespan of critical HVAC components and in some cases even the entire HVAC system. Everyone knows that installing a new HVAC system is extremely expensive, but many overlook the costs of maintenance and repairs associated with unprotected systems.  

According to the US Department of Energy, Americans spend over $14 billion on HVAC services and repairs alone. That doesn't even account for the cost of total system failures that require an entirely new system to be installed. A new AC unit alone can cost homeowners well over $4,000, and the cost for an entire HVAC system can reach as high as $12,500.

Even if a full system failure is avoided, extended system run time due to higher temperatures adds extra stress on your system leading to more repairs. The chart below illustrates the costs of key system components that are susceptible to failure.

Source: angi.com

On top of the cost of components a base service fee is typically charged for diagnosing the unit along with an hourly rate for making the repairs. In the case of businesses and critical care facilities where HVAC can be required to operate, emergency repair services will cost far more.

How to prevent HVAC system failure and reduce maintenance costs:

Install a Crankcase Heater-  Used to warm refrigerant oil, it ensures a smooth compressor startup. This puts less stress on the compressor as the unit is constantly turning on and off, extending the compressor lifespan.

Use a Refrigerant Warmer- Used to maintain optimal refrigerant temperature, improving system efficiency and preventing liquid from entering the compressor. Keeping refrigerant at the correct temperature not only protects the compressor but also reduces wear and tear on other components.

Manage Condensation with Condensate Evaporator Pan- Essential for collecting and draining condensation from the system. Controlling condensation helps the longevity of components and in cold temperatures protects the system from freezing and blockages.

INSUL-LOCK Pipe Insulation- Insulating cold water pipes and refrigerant lines can help prevent mold growth and water damage. Insulation can also be used on ductworks to prevent condensation in humid environments. Overtime lingering condensation can damage these componenets leading to failure. 

How much does HVAC system energy cost?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration on average 56% of household energy expenditure comes from HVAC. In warmer summer months or for systems that are not optimized for efficiency this percentage can be even greater. With modern HVAC units lasting between 15-20 years improving system efficiency can be a valuable investment in long-term energy costs. Setting thermostat settings to an optimal temperature for efficiency can be a good way to reduce energy consumption. However, it requires constant adjustment as outdoor temperature fluctuates. It also sacrifices comfort, to achieve any noticeable changes in efficiency, the temperature would have to be set outside the bounds of what most people would find comfortable.

Set it and forget – Easy one-time fix to improve HVAC efficiency:

Install a Soft Starter- Soft starters work by reducing the inrush current that occurs when the HVAC unit is started. With the unit frequently kicking on and off as needed to maintain temperature, installing a soft starter can considerably reduce the amount of energy used while also reducing wear on the compressor motor. 

INSUL-LOCK Pipe Insulation- Prevent heat loss by protecting system pipes with insulation. By eliminating unnecessary heat loss, the system can run more efficiently and reach the desired temperature while using less energy.

Use a Refrigerant Warmer- Maintaining refrigerant temperature helps ensure the correct viscosity for optimal performance. This eliminates the time when the unit is running at less-than-optimal performance keeping it at optimal efficiency.

BriskHeat HVAC products help reduce energy costs by improving system efficiency and reduce maintenance costs by protecting key components. Investing in the optimization of an HVAC system lowers the extended cost of operation and is the best way to get the most out of a system. BriskHeat is here to help reduce your HVAC operating costs by optimizing and protecting your system. Our team of experts are committed to finding you the best product and solution required for the success of your individual application.