Pittsburgh residents are feeling the squeeze: electricity prices in Pennsylvania have climbed almost 50% since 2020, driven by aging infrastructure, rising fuel costs and increased summer and winter demand. For many local households, HVAC systems account for nearly half of annual energy use—making them the biggest target for savings. At Gillece Services, your trusted Pittsburgh experts in plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical, we’re sharing strategies to optimize your HVAC setup and shrink your utility bills without sacrificing comfort.
- Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System
Older furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps common in Pittsburgh homes—especially in neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, Bloomfield or Mt. Lebanon—often operates at 60–80% efficiency. Modern ENERGY STAR-certified systems achieve 95%+ efficiency for furnaces and SEER ratings of 16 or higher for cooling.
Switching to a high-efficiency heat pump, for example, can reduce electricity use by 30–50% compared to a 15-year-old central AC unit. With Pennsylvania’s average residential rate now at 19.52 cents per kWh (up from ~13 cents in 2020), the savings add up fast. Gillece Services can determine the best system for your home and budget, including financing options.
- Schedule Annual Professional Tune-Ups
A neglected HVAC system works harder and uses more electricity. Dirty filters, low refrigerant or worn belts can increase energy consumption by 15–25%. In Pittsburgh’s humid summers and harsh winters, debris builds up quickly—especially with pollen from Schenley Park or coal dust in older industrial areas.
Gillece’s technicians perform comprehensive tune-ups: cleaning coils, calibrating thermostats, checking duct leakage and testing electrical components. Customers who schedule annual maintenance typically see a 10–15% drop in energy costs and fewer breakdowns. Don’t wait for a huge repair bill—prevent it with a tune-up.
- Seal and Insulate Ductwork
Up to 30% of heated or cooled air escapes through leaky ducts, especially in unfinished basements or crawl spaces common in Pittsburgh row homes and century-old houses. Sealing ducts with mastic or foil tape and insulating them with R-8 wrap prevents energy waste and improves system efficiency.
Gillece uses advanced diagnostic tools like blower door tests and thermal imaging to pinpoint leaks. Fixing duct issues can lower HVAC electricity use by 20% or more—paying for itself in 1–2 years at current rates.
- Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Pittsburgh’s temperature swings—from 90°F July days to sub-zero January nights—make precise control essential. A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts automatically, reducing runtime when you’re away or asleep.
Studies show programmable thermostats save 10–12% on heating and 15% on cooling. Pair this with zoning systems to heat or cool only occupied rooms—ideal for larger homes in Fox Chapel or Upper St. Clair. Gillece installs and programs these devices to integrate seamlessly with your existing HVAC and electrical systems.
- Improve Home Insulation and Air Sealing
Your HVAC system doesn’t work in a vacuum. Poorly insulated attics, walls or rim joists force your unit to run longer. In older Pittsburgh homes with knob-and-tube wiring or balloon framing, heat loss is rampant.
Adding blown-in cellulose to attics (target R-49) and sealing gaps around windows, doors and electrical outlets can cut HVAC energy use by 15–25%. Gillece can ensure all electrical work meets code, critical when upgrading older homes.
- Use Ceiling Fans and Ventilation Strategically
Ceiling fans allow you to raise your thermostat 4°F with no comfort loss, cutting AC costs by ~15%. In spring and fall, use whole-house fans or attic ventilators to pull in cool evening air, delaying AC startup.
For homes with electric baseboard heat, switching high-use areas to a ductless mini-split can save 40%+ on electricity. Gillece installs systems tailored to Pittsburgh’s climate.
- Monitor and Manage Humidity
Pittsburgh’s humid summers make AC units work overtime. A properly sized dehumidifier in basements or a whole-home humidifier in winter keeps relative humidity at 40–50%, allowing higher thermostat settings in summer and lower in winter—without discomfort.
Variable-speed HVAC systems with humidity control use 20–30% less electricity than single-stage units. Gillece can retrofit your system with these upgrades.
Final Thoughts: Act Now to Fight Rising Rates
Pennsylvania electricity costs aren’t coming down—rates have surged from 13 cents per kWh in 2020 to nearly 19 cents today, with more increases projected. Your HVAC system is your home’s biggest energy user, but also your greatest opportunity for savings.
At Gillece Services, we’ve helped thousands of Pittsburgh families reduce bills through expert maintenance, upgrades and whole-home efficiency solutions. From a simple tune-up to a full heat pump installation, our HVAC technicians deliver results that last.
Take control of your energy costs today.Call Gillece Services at 412-387-2070 or schedule online for a HVAC service. Let’s keep your home comfortable—and your wallet happy—all year long.
