5 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills with Smarter HVAC Choices
Keeping your home comfortable year-round in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts doesn’t have to come at the cost of high utility bills. As energy prices continue to fluctuate, homeowners are seeking smarter, more efficient ways to heat and cool their homes without sacrificing comfort.
At Lawrence Air Systems, we’ve been helping homeowners optimize their HVAC systems for over 50 years. The truth is, your HVAC system is likely your home’s biggest energy consumer, but with a few intelligent changes, it can also become one of your biggest sources of savings.
Here are five smart HVAC choices you can make today to lower your energy bills—without compromising on comfort.
1. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System
If your system is 10-15 years old, it may be time to upgrade. Modern systems can be 20-30% more energy efficient compared to when your old equipment was brand new. Age and deterioration can easily add another 20-30% in lost efficiencies.
How This Saves You Money:
- Lower Energy Use: High-efficiency systems use less fuel or electricity to maintain the same comfort level.
- Smart Features: Many newer models include variable-speed compressors, zoning capability, and better heat exchange performance.
- Rebates & Incentives: Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents can access state and federal rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.
Smart Solutions:
Lawrence Air Systems offers Energy Star®-rated HVAC installations, including ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, and multi-stage gas furnaces—all designed to maximize efficiency and comfort.
2. Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Thermostats are the brains of your HVAC system. Upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat gives you greater control over indoor temperatures, helping you reduce usage when you're not home.
What Smart Thermostats Do:
- Learn your habits and adjust automatically.
- Allow remote access and scheduling via phone apps.
- Provide energy reports and insights to help optimize settings.
Energy-Saving Strategy:
- Raise the temp by 7–10°F for 8 hours/day while away in the summer.
- Lower the heat by 7–10°F for 8 hours/day in the winter.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs.
Lawrence Recommends:
We install and configure smart thermostats compatible with Carrier and Mitsubishi systems, including brands like ecobee, Honeywell, and Nest.
3. Seal Leaks and Insulate Ductwork
It might not be the first thing you think of, but leaky ductwork and poor insulation are two major causes of HVAC energy loss. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that 30% of heated or cooled air is lost through leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. A 1” hole in your attic ductwork is the equivalent to a 10”x10” window open year-round in your bedroom!
Common Problem Areas:
- Attics and crawlspaces
- Uninsulated ducts
- Gaps around windows, doors, and attic hatches
Smart Fixes:
- Seal ducts using mastic sealant or foil-backed tape (not standard duct tape).
- Add insulation to exposed ducts in unconditioned spaces.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows.
- Air seal your attic and basement.
How We Help:
Our team at Lawrence Air Systems can assess your home’s insulation and ductwork, providing expert recommendations and sealing services to make your system more efficient.
4. Maintain Your System with Regular Tune-Ups
A neglected HVAC system works harder to deliver the same results—leading to higher bills and more wear and tear. Just like your car, your heating and cooling systems need seasonal maintenance to perform their best.
What You’ll Get from a Tune-Up:
- Clean coils and burners
- Calibrated thermostats and safety controls
- Lubricated motors and moving parts
- Tightened electrical connections
- Airflow and refrigerant level checks
- Replaced/cleaned filters
Benefits:
- Up to 15% improved efficiency
- Fewer emergency repairs
- Longer system lifespan
- Better indoor air quality
Pro Tip:
Lawrence Air Systems offers affordable seasonal maintenance programs to ensure your system gets the attention it needs—before small issues become expensive breakdowns.
5. Optimize Your HVAC System with Zoning or Ductless Mini-Splits
Every home has “hot spots” and “cold spots.” Rather than heating or cooling your entire house equally, zoning systems and ductless mini-splits allow you to customize temperatures by room or area. That means energy isn’t wasted on rooms you're not using.
Zoning Systems Use:
- Multiple thermostats
- Dampers inside ductwork
- Smart controls that direct airflow where needed
Ductless Mini-Splits Offer:
- Room-by-room temperature control
- No duct losses (perfect for additions or converted garages)
- Quiet, efficient performance
Energy Impact:
By only conditioning rooms in use, you can reduce system runtime and cut bills significantly—especially in larger or multi-story homes.
Lawrence Advantage:
We install Mitsubishi Electric Ductless Systems and Aprilaire zoning solutions—perfect for New England homes and adaptable to almost any layout.
Bonus Tip: Take Advantage of Local Rebates & Tax Credits
Don’t forget—upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment often qualifies you for rebates, tax incentives, and zero-interest financing through programs like:
- Mass Save®
- Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Programs
- Federal 25C Energy Efficiency Tax Credits (Inflation Reduction Act)
These programs can cover hundreds to thousands of dollars of your upgrade, significantly reducing your upfront costs and speeding up your return on investment.
Lawrence Air Systems can walk you through what’s available and even help with rebate paperwork—just ask!
Why Choose Lawrence Air Systems?
Since 1973,
Lawrence Air Systems has built a reputation for
exceptional HVAC service across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. When you work with us, you get:
- ✅ Top-rated equipment and materials
- ✅ Friendly, honest service from a local team
- ✅ Comprehensive energy-efficient solutions
- ✅ Support for rebates, warranties, and financing
We don’t just sell HVAC systems—we help you make smart, strategic choices for long-term comfort and savings.
Smarter Choices Lead to Lower Energy Bills
There’s no magic button for lower energy bills—but there are smart HVAC choices that add up to serious savings. Whether it’s a high-efficiency upgrade, smart thermostat, or duct sealing, small improvements can make a big difference.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Lawrence Air Systems, we’re here to help you assess your current system, explore smarter options, and deliver solutions that fit your home and budget.
Ready to Start Saving? Contact Us Today.
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Call Lawrence Air Systems at (401) 213-1751
🌐 Schedule a free consultation online
📍 Serving Eastern Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts
Let’s work together to make your home more efficient, more comfortable—and more affordable.





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