Edmond Heating & Air: 3 Upgrades to Save Money Before Winter

Preparing Your Home for Winter

Even though Edmond’s winters are relatively mild, cold snaps can send heating bills soaring. Leaky ducts, outdated furnaces and manual thermostats can waste energy every hour they run. With new federal efficiency standards and generous rebates, now is the ideal time to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling systems. You’ll enjoy lower bills, improved comfort and peace of mind when the temperature drops.

1. Install a High-Efficiency Heat Pump

Traditional electric heaters waste a lot of energy because they convert electricity directly into heat. By contrast, heat pumps transfer heat from the outside air or ground. High-efficiency heat pumps use 40–60% less electricity than electric resistance heaters. Many models maintain performance even in freezing temperatures.

If you currently use a gas furnace and air conditioner, consider a dual-fuel heat pump. It provides efficient cooling and heating most of the year and uses gas only during extreme cold. Edmond Electric’s rebate program offers $175–300 per ton for air-source or dual-fuel heat pumps and $800 per ton for geothermal systems. Homeowners who switch to a geothermal unit can cut their heating and cooling bills to one-third, while air-source or dual-fuel systems can cut them in half.

Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act cover up to 30% of costs (max $2,000) for qualified heat pumps. When combined with local rebates, these incentives can substantially reduce the payback period.

How to choose:

• Look for a unit with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2).

• Consider a ductless mini-split if you want to heat or cool individual rooms rather than your whole house. Mini-splits are efficient and qualify for Edmond’s rebates.

• Hire a licensed Edmond HVAC contractor to size and install the system properly. Improper sizing can negate efficiency gains.

2. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat and Zoning

Manual thermostats are easy to forget. A smart thermostat uses Wi-Fi, sensors and learning algorithms to maintain comfortable temperatures and reduce energy use. They typically save 10–20% on heating and cooling costs. If every home used one, the U.S. could save $740 million annually.

Pair a smart thermostat with zoning controls. Zoning divides your home into separate areas, each with its own thermostat or damper, so you only heat or cool the spaces you use. Zoning can cut energy consumption by 30%. Some modern heat pumps and furnaces have built-in zoning capabilities, while ductless mini-split systems inherently provide independent control for each zone.

3. Seal Ductwork and Improve Insulation

Leaky ducts are silent energy thieves. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that homes lose 20–30% of conditioned air through duct leaks, costing $150–300 per year. Sealing duct joints with mastic or metal tape and adding insulation around them can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.

While you’re at it, check your attic insulation and weatherstripping around doors and windows. Proper insulation not only keeps you warm in winter but also reduces summer cooling bills. Investing a few hundred dollars in sealing and insulation often delivers a quicker payback than replacing equipment.

Steps to get started:

• Schedule a free home energy audit through Edmond Electric. The auditor will test for duct leaks, insulation gaps and equipment inefficiencies.

• Seal ducts in accessible areas or hire a professional to seal and insulate those hidden in walls or crawl spaces.

• Top up attic insulation to meet or exceed current standards. Close gaps around plumbing penetrations and electrical boxes.

Local Rebates and Incentives

• Edmond Electric rebates: Heat pumps: $175–300 per ton for air-source/dual-fuel units; $800 per ton for geothermal. Mini-splits: $150 per ton. Free home energy audits.

• Federal tax credits: Up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps and $600 for efficient air conditioners or furnaces (Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit).

• Utility incentives: OG&E and OMPA periodically offer rebates for smart thermostats, attic insulation and ductless systems. Check current offers on their websites.

Putting It All Together

To stay comfortable this winter without breaking the bank, combine these upgrades:

• Install an energy-efficient heat pump sized for your home and climate.

• Add a smart thermostat and zoning controls to match heating and cooling with your schedule.

• Seal leaky ducts and upgrade insulation to prevent heat loss.

• Take advantage of Edmond Electric’s rebates and federal tax credits to lower your upfront costs.

By investing now, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills, improved comfort and increased home value.

Our team of local HVAC experts is ready to help you select and install the right system.