How to Help Customers Save Money on HVAC

Helping your customers save money on running their HVAC might not seem like something that you can do directly, but as an HVAC technician, you can assist when it comes to reducing their bills for operating their HVAC systems.

The average cost to run an HVAC unit will vary depending on the cost of energy per customer. According to the US Energy Information Administration, on average, customers can expect to pay around 15 cents per kWh. This puts the costs of using an HVAC at about $0.22 per hour based on the typical 1500-wattage of HVAC units.

As an HVAC technician, you can help customers save money on HVAC bills so they can keep their bills as low as possible and is something that is important to learn during your HVAC Technician Training Program.

Choosing the Right HVAC Unit

The proper size HVAC unit and correct HVAC system type will play a massive part in keeping bills under control. Modern HVAC units are designed to improve usability with user-friendly interfaces and integrations such as WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. They’re also designed for longevity and dependability. However, not all units are created the same; for some customers, the overall cost of purchasing a unit might be a driving factor in choosing which HVAC model they want. 

As someone with knowledge and experience in the field, you can assist your customers by being honest about what they are considering when purchasing a brand new unit. Discuss the unit type and what they can expect from that particular manufacturer prior to purchasing. Each HVAC unit will have pros and cons, so helping them make a more informed choice will result in lower bills and improved operations.

On top of this, you need to make sure the HVAC is the right size for the space needed. Choosing a unit that is too big or even too small, won’t be able to control the temperature as efficiently. This can lead to uneven air, cold spots, heat spots or even drafts. Be sure to talk to your customers about the size of the unit they have or are considering to purchase. It is important to let them know how they can find the right size HVAC for their home.

VRF Systems

If a customer is looking for a brand new HVAC unit or needs to replace an existing one, talking to them about a VRF (variable refrigerant flow) unit can be instrumental in saving them money. A VRF system uses less energy by using a variable-speed compressor that runs only at the required capacity for any given space. A VRF will automatically adjusts to the conditions in the space accordingly, meaning it won’t use more energy than required to.

Smart HVAC Devices

The introduction of smart devices has been a positive thing for customers looking to save money on HVAC operations. Be sure to talk them through the option of smart controls for their specific setup and what they can enable them to do.

Many customers appreciate smart controls as it allows them to be in greater control over the thermostat. By doing this, they can save money on their heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

Regular HVAC Maintenance

While you are well aware of the importance of regular servicing and maintenance of HVAC units, it’s still common for people to only have their HVAC checked when there are visible issues with it. 

You might find that people see regular service as an added expense they don’t want to fork out for, especially if their HVAC is working fine. Educating your customers on the importance of routine maintenance or servicing for their HVAC can help them understand why it’s so important and how it can save them money in the long run.

Finding and repairing a fault before it becomes a significant problem can save them in increased bills from their unit that may be struggling to keep up with demand. Catching a problem early can also result in lower repair bills, as an issue can cause much more damage over time. This can also help customers save on higher call-out fees for emergencies. In a nutshell, by keeping a close eye on the inner workings and having HVAC unites serviced regularly, customers can benefit from a more efficient HVAC, resulting in lower bills and call-out costs.

Energy Saving Retrofits

Your customers don’t need to have a whole new system put in place if their current model is still working fine. But if it uses a lot of energy to run at full capacity and is in good working condition, then talking with them about energy-saving retrofits can help them lower their bills. 

Energy-saving options for older systems can include:

• Replacing condenser fans or compressors.
• Adding in demand-controlled ventilation.
• Economizers that are not heating.

Updating certain parts of the system can save up to 35% on annual bills.

HVAC Self Maintenance

Arming clients with the knowledge of how to save money on HVAC bills can help them not only cut down on how much it costs to run their unit each day, but also improve the lifespan of the HVAC system and ensure it’s in good condition at all times. This is important whether it is one of the top HVAC systems or even a lower level HVAC system.

Tips like the following can be instrumental in maintaining their systems and keeping those bills from creeping up.

• Don’t block vents.
• Vacuum dusty vents regularly
• Change dirty filters in between maintenance and service calls.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air clockwise for cooler air and anti-clockwise to redistribute warm air around the room.
• Don’t put heat-generating appliances near your thermostat.
• Identify areas of the home where insulation is lacking and rectify this, be it windows, gaps under doors, inadequate wall cavity insulation, attic insulation, etc.

Being able to support and help customers save money on HVAC bills can help you provide better service and give them the tools and information required to improve how they use their HVAC and care for it, too. As their HVAC technician, providing the best repair, maintenance, and servicing possible when required will boost these efforts and ensure that they have a reliable system that works for them all year round.

Continue Your HVAC Technician Career Today At NTI

If you want to find out more about getting started on your career path and learning more about what you need to be a HVAC technician, then you can get in touch with us to find out more. Contact us today to speak with our team at NTI today!