The Inflation Reduction Act has brought new customer awareness to energy-efficient homes and made understanding them a top priority. HVAC contractors have a unique opportunity to drive energy efficiency, with the Inflation Reduction Act, SEER rating changes, and the constant evolution of energy prices. You know better than anyone that demonstrating your expertise can differentiate you from the competition, so let’s have a refresher on the benefits and actionable tips for creating energy-efficient homes.
Communicating the Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes
Energy-efficient houses have five key benefits:
1. Increased Comfort
One of the major benefits of energy-efficient homes is the increased comfort they provide for homeowners. Energy-efficient houses maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year through improved insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems.
2. Potential Load Savings
Installing energy-saving features such as insulation, low-e windows, and efficient HVAC systems, or sealing or reconstructing ductwork, can help homeowners lower their utility expenses and enjoy long-term financial benefits. Each improvement will have a different impact on each home, but switching to Energy Star-certified windows can reduce monthly utility bills by an average of 12%.
3. Eligibility for Tax Credits and Rebates
Homeowners that invest in energy-efficient upgrades, such as energy-efficient heating systems or heat pumps, may qualify for tax deductions and financial incentives. These tax-deductible home improvements help your customers save money while reducing energy consumption.
4. Increased Home Value
Studies show that high-efficiency equipment can contribute to higher property valuations. For instance, in 2022, real estate agents observed that energy-efficient improvements added $8,246 to a home's value.
5. Positive environmental impact
High-performance homes contribute to reducing demand on the energy grid, helping to ensure grid stability. This can help create a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Tips for Achieving Energy-Efficient Homes
While your firm may not offer support on every home improvement, many represent a business growth opportunity.
1. Insulate windows and doors and seal air leaks.
Insulating windows and doors and sealing air leaks help prevent heat transfer and minimize energy loss. Ensuring proper insulation and sealing can enhance the overall energy performance of a home, reduce the workload on HVAC systems, and optimize energy consumption. EPA estimates that homeowners may save 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and insulating attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements.
2. Invest in energy-efficient appliances, especially HVAC and high-efficiency water heaters.
Investing in energy-efficient appliances, such as HVAC systems and high-efficiency water heaters, can significantly reduce energy consumption. Smart controls, such as digital thermostats and sensing technologies, have the potential to lower overall energy use by 10% by 2040.
3. Switch to LED lighting.
LED bulbs offer increased energy efficiency, longer lifespans, and reduced heat generation compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. By switching to LED lighting, homeowners can significantly lower their energy consumption and decrease electricity costs. LED lighting also provides superior illumination quality, elevating the overall ambiance and functionality of residential spaces.
4. Conduct a home energy audit.
A thorough energy audit can both be a way to generate leads, and a means to assess a home's energy consumption, identify areas of inefficiency, and recommend targeted solutions. By evaluating insulation, air leaks, HVAC systems, and other factors, you can help homeowners prioritize upgrades that optimize energy usage, improve comfort, and reduce utility costs.
5. Offer regular maintenance of HVAC systems.
Optimal energy efficiency in residential buildings requires great design, and regular filter changes. Conducting routine inspections and servicing of HVAC units helps you maximize their performance, extend their lifespan, and reduce energy waste, while also building long-term relationships with customers in the busy and slow seasons.
Partner with Conduit Tech for Energy-Efficient Homes
Embracing energy-efficient homes can unlock a wealth of benefits for your customers and your business. By partnering with Conduit Tech, you can tap into a world of possibilities.
Our comprehensive solutions empower you to effortlessly design, install, and maintain HVAC systems that meet homeowners' needs while maximizing energy efficiency.
Contact us today and schedule a demo to discover how Conduit Tech can help elevate your HVAC operations. Let's take your business to new heights together.