If you think it&#;s time to replace the heating, cooling, or hot water system in your home, choose higher-efficiency equipment along with weatherization improvements. This will help you get top performance from your new equipment, save money, and improve the overall comfort of your home.
Keeping efficiency in mind when replacing equipment in your home offers many benefits:
Follow the equipment efficiency steps below when replacing equipment in your home.
If you think it may be time to replace your heating, cooling, or hot water system, get a professional home energy assessment. Audits will help you better understand a home&#;s energy performance. This can include where your home is efficient and where it is wasting energy, which systems are working properly and which are not, and which upgrades may be needed. Before the audit, make sure the auditor knows if you are experiencing any issues with your systems. This can include the equipment cycling on and off more frequently than usual, unusual noise, excessive dust, or noticeable leaks, for example.
The auditor will identify the systems&#; age, expected life span, and efficiency ratings. If a system is 15-20 years old, it may need to be replaced. You can also view NYSERDA&#;s Heating and Cooling Guide [PDF] to determine whether any of your systems need to be replaced.
If any of your heating and cooling systems need to be replaced, it is a good idea to seal air leaks in your home and ductwork before investing in a new system. Taking these measures can help ensure equipment will function properly and at peak efficiency. For example, sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent. In some cases, air sealing and insulating the house will make it possible to purchase a smaller heating and cooling system, saving you money on equipment costs from the start.
Ask the auditor to help you determine and prioritize which insulation and sealing upgrades will help you get the best return on investment from a new system.
Learn more about sealing and insulation.
If your heating or cooling technology needs to be replaced, it&#;s a great time to consider pairing clean heating and cooling technologies, such as heat pumps, with smart thermostats. Heat pumps are a safer choice for your home with no combustion of fossil fuels, fuel storage, or carbon monoxide emissions. Heat pump water heaters are also available to provide a clean energy option to meet your home&#;s hot water needs. Work with a professional contractor to determine what kind of heat pump is right for your home.
Smart thermostats help you make the most of your systems. They allow you to create automatic and programmable temperature settings based on daily schedules, weather conditions, and heating and cooling needs. Some even learn from your behaviors and automatically adjust their settings to optimize both comfort and efficiency.
Learn more about clean heating and cooling technologies.
If you are investing in a new system, purchase high-efficiency equipment. ENERGY STAR certified models will be the most efficient&#;helping you save money and improve the comfort of your home. Once you have selected a new model, learn about ways to properly operate and maintain the system to ensure it works as efficiently as possible. This could include replacing air filters and having it serviced annually by a professional contractor. Because a new system may function differently than your existing equipment, ask your contractor how to manage your thermostat settings to optimize its performance and efficiency.
Learn more about energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating systems.
Many incentives and rebates are available across New York State for purchasing and installing high-efficiency heating, cooling, and hot water equipment. Whether through NYSERDA or your utility, there are opportunities to get money back by switching to a better system.
Learn more about available financial incentives.
Take the first step&#;sign up for a professional energy assessment to ensure you are buying the best equipment for your home and to learn whether you should make any additional energy upgrades.
For SFR property managers, HVAC maintenance costs can be a massive drag on your monthly expenses, but HVAC efficiency is critical to resident's safety, health, and overall experience. Not to mention the longevity of the properties you manage.
Can property managers reduce HVAC maintenance costs and extend the life of their HVAC systems?
Welcome to our latest in-depth analysis, "How to Reduce HVAC Maintenance Costs.&#; Our analysis comes from a collaborative study by the National Rental Home Council and Second Nature. The study examined the effectiveness of Second Nature&#;s filter delivery program in preventing HVAC-related work orders for SFR portfolios.
As we delve into the study, you'll discover fresh insights that can help you make your HVAC system not only more efficient but also more cost-effective. Gain an understanding of preventative measures and strategic practices to lower your maintenance expenditure and prolong your HVAC system&#;s lifespan.
Tune in and save your investor&#;s money, your team&#;s time, and your resident&#;s comfort. That&#;s what we call a Triple Win!
The National Rental Home Council conducted an 18-month study in partnership with Second Nature, analyzing 7,700+ SFR units to evaluate the effectiveness of Second Nature&#;s Filter Delivery Service. The data was sourced from Property Meld and Service Titan.
Filter Delivery is one of the major pillars of Second Nature&#;s first-of-its-kind Resident Benefits Package. Filter delivery service helps maintain the lifespan of your HVAC system and boost energy efficiency. This reduces the need for maintenance services and the average cost of energy bills and increases the air quality of your homes.
Here&#;s how the study worked &#; and the findings on the total impact for property managers, residents, and investors.
The study analyzed data for the frequency of resident HVAC service requests as a percentage of total units, with and without HVAC filter delivery. The frequency of tickets with and without delivery services was used to determine the overall reduction in HVAC problems and service requests.
The study was conducted over 18 months, surveying 7,772 units. Filters that required complete change-out were delivered every 60-90 days and date-stamped. Each filter delivery contains graphic instructions to help the resident make the swap themselves.
In addition to sending the filters, Second Nature sent residents emails with tracking info and more information on safe installation. Second Nature also provides property managers with lease language and marketing language for listings and applications and renewal notices. The property management company&#;s name and logo are stamped on the box with messaging about energy savings.
The study found that for those units that had filter delivery service, there was a total reduction of nearly 40% of HVAC ticket requests.
Across four separate operators, the percentage decrease in HVAC ticket requests ranged from 31%, 37%, 42%, and 50%.
Here&#;s a breakdown of cost reduction in two major cities from the study:
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Other observations and conclusions:
HVAC service costs are increasing year over year. But the right package of services and maintenance plan can help reduce those costs.
For property managers who don&#;t have a Resident Benefits Package to do the work for them, we do have some general tips on how to reduce HVAC maintenance costs with regular maintenance.
These tips are best practices across the board for maintaining a top-notch heating and AC maintenance plan and are helpful even if you do have filter delivery as part of your suite of resident services. Of course, an RBP with filter delivery supports most of these already.
This is obvious, considering the topic we&#;re covering!
Dirty filters can restrict air flow, causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Regular filter changes can improve system efficiency and reduce wear and tear. They also improve indoor air quality, which contributes to a healthier environment for occupants.
Refreshing filters on a regular cadence is critical for both maintaining an efficient HVAC system and protecting your resident&#;s health. By implementing automated filter delivery by Second Nature, you can rest easy that your residents aren&#;t falling behind on this critical task.
Regular filter changes also reduce the need for maintenance visits and cut down on any replacement costs or labor costs.
Routine maintenance is the first and one of the most essential steps toward reducing HVAC repair costs. Annual maintenance is standard, but regular check-ups ensure that the system is running efficiently and any potential issues are identified before they become costly repairs.
This can include cleaning the air filters, duct cleaning, checking for refrigerant leaks, and ensuring all components, like the compressor, condenser coils, evaporator coil, blower motor, capacitor, fan motor, drain line, heat exchanger, heat pump &#; the list goes on and on! &#; are in good working condition.
Most property managers conduct seasonal maintenance to check the air conditioning, refrigerants, etc., before summer or give a tune-up to the heating before winter.
Filter delivery is the simplest way to automate preventive care for your resident&#;s HVAC systems. Simply turn it on, and Second Nature does the work for you!
Investing in high-efficiency HVAC units might require more upfront costs, but they pay off in the long run. These heating and AC units use less energy, reduce operational costs, and tend to require fewer repairs over their lifespan. They also provide a comfortable environment for occupants, increasing property value.
Filter delivery helps protect the lifespan of your high-efficiency units by preventing avoidable damage. The average costs of a high-efficiency heating or air conditioning system make sense for the return on investment.
Insufficient insulation can cause the HVAC system to overwork, leading to higher maintenance costs and reduced system lifespan. By ensuring your property is well insulated, you can help maintain indoor temperatures for your heating and air conditioner and reduce the strain on your heating and AC system.
Programmable thermostats allow for more precise control over temperature settings and scheduling. This can greatly reduce the burden on the HVAC system by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling during off-peak hours or when the property is unoccupied. HVAC professionals can help with installation and maintenance, or you can train your team.
There are so many moving parts with heating and cooling systems, and having a programmable thermostat can reduce the complexity significantly.
If feasible, consider using ductless HVAC systems. A new system like this can provide more direct heating and cooling without the energy loss associated with ductwork. This can reduce energy costs and result in less strain on the system, reducing maintenance needs.
Proper training enables your maintenance team to identify and solve minor problems before they escalate &#; or before a resident tries to DIY it!
A well-trained HVAC technician can also ensure that the system is correctly installed, operated, and maintained, thus extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. You may not need to hire an HVAC contractor as often if your team knows how to handle day-to-day issues.
Of course, engaging a filter delivery service can help take a ton of the day-to-day work burden off your staff. Second Nature ensures your residents have fresh filters exactly when they&#;re needed. No more schlepping out for repair service calls every month. There will always be occasions when an HVAC expert or replacement parts are needed, but you can reduce tune-up costs and visits with good training on your own team.
An energy management system can help monitor HVAC performance and identify areas for energy-saving opportunities. HVAC companies provide these at various price points. These systems provide real-time feedback, enabling property managers to make immediate adjustments that improve efficiency and save money.
While purchasing new HVAC equipment, consider opting for longer warranties. This small investment can cover many future HVAC repairs, saving you from unexpected maintenance costs down the line.
Again, using a filter delivery service works in tandem with longer warranties, too. Your systems will last longer, and the longer warranty will continue to cover any issues that do come up down the line.
Lastly, educate your tenants about the correct use of the HVAC system. This can include setting reasonable temperature limits and explaining how to properly use programmable thermostats. Well-informed tenants can play a significant role in reducing unnecessary strain on the HVAC system.
A key part of Second Nature&#;s RBP is providing property managers with marketing and educational materials for their residents. We help you communicate to them the value of safe and effective HVAC systems. Again, we&#;re taking the work off your plate and making HVAC maintenance as easy as second nature!
Efficient HVAC management not only reduces costs but also fosters a comfortable living environment for residents. Each of the strategies outlined above contributes to these twin goals in its own unique way.
The best news, though? Execution of these measures can be significantly enhanced with the aid of a resident benefits package. As the HVAC Study outline above shows, you can cut HVAC ticket requests by up to 50% with a filter delivery service. That means savings for you, your residents, and your property investor.
In fact, a well-designed resident benefits package can support and streamline the implementation of many cost-saving property management strategies and reduce the need for emergency services. Ultimately, the smart combination of the tips provided above and a supportive resident benefits package is an excellent approach to reducing HVAC maintenance costs for property managers.
The resulting cost savings, increased system longevity, and enhanced resident satisfaction make this a worthwhile investment.
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