UBCNews - Business - Cut Your Energy Bills: Alabama HVAC Pros Reveal Home Changes That Save Hundreds

Episode Date: January 22, 2026

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that probably keeps a lot of you up at night – those energy bills that just keep climbing. But here's the good news: small changes in your home can actually save you hundreds of dollars every year. So, have you ever wondered where all that money is actually going? Engle Services City: Sylacauga Address: 40300 U.S. 280 Website: https://engleservicesheatingandair.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're tackling something that probably keeps a lot of you up at night, those energy bills that just keep climbing. But here's the good news. Small changes in your home can actually save you hundreds of dollars every year. So have you ever wondered where all that money is actually going? Oh, absolutely. And honestly, most homeowners have no idea that they're literally throwing money away through hidden problems they can't even see. I mean, we're talking about air leaks in duct work that. can account for 25 to 40% of your home's heating and cooling energy. Wow, that's a huge chunk. So where do we even start with this? Let's start with the easiest wins. Switching to LED light bulbs is probably the simplest thing you can do today. They use up to 90% less energy than those old incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.

I switched mine out last year and the difference on my bill was noticeable right away. Right, and that's something anyone can do in an afternoon. What about the thermostat? I've heard programmable ones make a difference. Exactly. Installing a programmable thermostat can lead to approximately 10% savings on your energy bills. You're basically telling your system not to waste energy heating or cooling an empty house. It's smart automation working for you.

Makes sense. Now, you mentioned ductwork earlier. That sounds more complicated. It does, but here's the thing. The Department of Energy and Energy Star indicate that in a typical house, approximately 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks, poor connections, splits, and holes. There's actually a technology called aerosealed duck sealing that's non-invasive

and designed to stop those hidden leaks from the inside. So it seals the leaks you can't even see. Exactly. It's pretty innovative. But let's not forget the basics, too. Air sealing your home and adding insulation can save you an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs or about 11% on total energy costs. Simple things like caulk and weather stripping around windows and doors are part of that effort. Mm-hmm, practical stuff.

What about maintenance? I feel like people overlook that. Oh, they definitely do. Regular annual HVAC tuneups are really important for keeping things right. running efficiently. Dirt buildup causes your system to perform poorly, which leads to higher energy costs. And replacing your filters at least every three months, that alone improves efficiency and extends the life of your system. I actually forgot to change mine once for like six months, and I could feel the difference in airflow immediately when I finally swapped it out.

Huh. I think we've all been guilty of that at some point. So we've established that both quick fixes and regular upkeep matter. That point about system maintenance and efficiency sets up our next piece, professional assessments. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. When you're ready to tackle hidden energy waste in your home, Ingle services can help. Their technicians in Central Alabama

offer expert heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services, including in-home assessments and system maintenance. Whether it's duck ceiling, HVAC tune-ups, or emergency repairs, They provide prompt professional support to help you maintain optimal home comfort. Learn more at Ingalls Services Sheating & Air.com. Picking up on system maintenance and efficiency, how do homeowners know if they need a professional energy audit? Great question. If you're noticing uneven temperatures in different rooms, high utility bills, or excessive dust, those are signs.

A typical home energy audit can identify problem areas and lead to average sales. savings of 5 to 30% on energy bills. That's a pretty wide range, but even 5% adds up. Right. And here's something to keep in mind. The average household spends over $2,000 annually on energy bills when you factor in both electricity and natural gas. So even small percentage savings translate into significant dollar amounts. We're talking real money back in your pocket. Some homeowners who've implemented these changes report saving 200 to 4.4%.

$400 a year. Mm-hmm, absolutely. What about those everyday habits that add up? Oh, there are three big ones, laundry, electronics, and appliances. Using cold water for laundry saves energy because you're not heating water. Line drying clothes can save you well over $100 a year, with some homeowners reporting savings of $300 or more annually, and unplugging electronics, combating that phantom load or vampire energy can account for as much as 10% of your home's energy use.

Vampire energy. I like that term. So to everyone listening, how many chargers do you have plugged in right now that aren't charging anything? I know I'm guilty of leaving at least three or four around the house. Exactly. And for bigger investments, upgrading to energy star-qualified appliances offers long-term savings. They're designed to be more efficient and replacing outdated models really pays off over time. What about insulation in windows? Those sound expensive. They can be, but the EPA estimates homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing and adding insulation. Upgrading single-paned windows to high-performance double-pane versions can reduce energy loss by up to 25%.

So you're stopping heat transfer, which means your system doesn't have to work as hard. And there are tax credits for some of this stuff, right? Definitely. Many energy-efficient renovations and upgrades qualify for federal tax credits, which helps offset those initial costs. It makes the investment even more attractive. So we're looking at immediate savings from simple changes, long-term savings from bigger upgrades, and potential tax benefits. That's a win all around. Exactly. The key takeaway is that you don't have to do everything at once. Start with the easy stuff. LEDs, programmable thermostat, ceiling gaps, and work your way up.

Every single step reduces waste and puts money back in your pocket. Small actions, big results. I love that approach. Small steps, big impact. Thanks so much for breaking this down for us today. My pleasure. Happy to help folks save some money and energy.