As you set your goals for the coming year, you can resolve to keep more money in your wallet — while saving energy and staying comfortable all year long.

Homeowners do not often think about their appliances, such as a water heater or HVAC system, until they break. If your HVAC system is over 15 years old or has experienced more frequent breakdowns, start planning for a replacement now, rather than waiting until it stops working during extreme weather. Your local electric cooperative may offer rebates for upgrading to a more energy-efficient product. You can see multiple advantages to your upgrade:

Improved comfort: As appliances and HVAC systems age, they may struggle to maintain the same level of service as when they were new. Older water heaters may run out of hot water, or heating and cooling systems may struggle to get to the desired temperature. A new, modern system can provide more consistent service to keep you and your home comfortable.  

Save on long-term costs: Most newer appliances and HVAC systems are more energy efficient than those created over a decade ago. They will use less energy than older equipment, leading to savings in long-term energy costs. Plus, most upgrades typically come with a warranty, eliminating those costly repairs. With proper maintenance, it should operate optimally for years to come. The combination of improved efficiency and reliability helps save you money over the life of the equipment.

Greater control: Many new appliances and HVAC systems now feature internet connectivity, allowing for greater control. Appliances such as heat pump water heaters may already have this feature integrated into the device, while Wi-Fi thermostats allow for remote control of heating and cooling systems. This enables you to control settings and monitor energy use even when away from home. Some appliances even alert you if an issue arises.

By planning proactively, you can research the best options available for your replacement. You can visit your electric cooperative’s website to see if any upgrades qualify for rebates. You can also contact your co-op’s energy advisor to begin the conversation.

Andrew Wray is the energy advisor at Hendricks Power Cooperative in Avon, Indiana