This Earth Day, we are taking a closer look at the real impact energy efficient HVAC systems can have on both the environment and our community here in St. Louis.
While Vogel Heating and Cooling has been serving the St. Louis area for over 80 years, the data in this report reflects the measurable impact we have tracked over the past 15 years through system installations and ongoing maintenance. Over that time, small improvements in energy efficiency have added up in a big way for homeowners across St. Louis.
Why HVAC Systems Matter for Energy Use
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s total energy use. Studies show that around 47 percent of residential energy consumption is used by HVAC systems.
In an average Missouri home, that equals roughly 6580 kilowatt hours every year. That means your heating and cooling system plays one of the biggest roles in your home’s energy use, comfort, and overall efficiency.
Older systems and a lack of maintenance can significantly increase that number. HVAC systems that are more than 10 years old can use 20 to 40 percent more energy than newer high-efficiency systems.
The Impact of Upgrading HVAC Systems
Over the last 15 years, Vogel Heating and Cooling has installed approximately 4500 high-efficiency HVAC systems across St. Louis homes. When you compare the energy use of older systems to newer high-efficiency equipment, the difference adds up quickly.
Based on average energy use, these installations alone have helped reduce energy consumption by over 20 million kilowatt hours. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system does not just improve comfort. It also reduces energy waste, lowers utility bills, and helps homes perform better year after year.
4,500 systems × 6,580 kWh × 30% efficiency gain
= 8,883,000 kWh saved per year equivalent
Over time adjustment →
= 20,727,000 kWh saved
Installation is only part of the story. Ongoing maintenance plays a major role in long-term energy efficiency. Each year, Vogel services thousands of HVAC systems across the St. Louis area. Over 15 years, that adds up to roughly 45000 systems maintained.
A properly maintained system can operate more efficiently than a neglected one. Even a moderate improvement in efficiency can lead to meaningful energy savings over time. (estimated 15% efficiency improvement)
Through routine maintenance and system care, we estimate that over 44 million kilowatt hours of energy have been saved across the homes we service. When you combine system upgrades and ongoing maintenance, the total impact becomes clear.
6,580 kWh × 15% efficiency improvement
= 987 kWh saved per system per year
987 kWh × 15 years × 3,000 systems
= 44,415,000 kWh saved
Over the past 15 years, Vogel Heating and Cooling has helped St. Louis homeowners save an estimated 65,142,000 kilowatt hours of energy. This is energy that would have otherwise been used by outdated or inefficient systems.
4,500 installs + 45,000 maintained systems = 65 million kWh saved in St. Louis
What That Means for the Environment
Energy savings at this scale have a meaningful impact on the environment. That amount of energy is equivalent to planting over 1.1 million trees to absorb carbon dioxide for a full year. It is also comparable to powering thousands of homes in the Kirkwood area for an entire year.
Every improvement in efficiency helps reduce the demand on power plants and lowers the number of emissions released into the atmosphere. While we are proud of the work our team has done, this impact does not belong to us alone. It belongs to the homeowners across St. Louis who chose to invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems, regular maintenance, and long-term home performance.
Every upgrade and every service call contributes to a more efficient and comfortable community. The past 15 years have shown what is possible when homeowners and HVAC professionals work together. The next step is continuing that progress.
If you are wondering how much energy your home could be saving, our team is happy to walk you through your options.