Have you considered a heat pump?
So, we’ve already explored the idea that heat pumps and air conditioners are really not all that different. When it comes down to basic engineering, there are only a few differences between the two units. However, having a heat pump can dramatically reduce utility bills and ramp up home comfort in some areas.
As a refresher, this is how a heat pump works. When in cooling mode, the heat pump transfers heat from your indoor air and releases it into your outdoor air. In heating mode, the heat pump does the opposite. It transfers heat from the outside air and releases it into your indoor air. This is a bare bones explanation, but you get the idea.
So…how is this more efficient? It gets REALLLY cold where I live and I don’t think the heat pump can cut it.
You may think it’s harder for a heat pump to extract heat from the outdoor air when temperatures are low, but they actually can be quite efficient down to a certain point (think 20F). When temperatures drop below this, you will have to resort to some sort of backup heat that actually CREATES heat – like a gas furnace or electric heat strips. Heat transfer is typically more energy efficient than heat creation. That’s why you can save more money (particularly if natural gas prices are high in your area or if you don’t need as much heating power). Heck, in some areas of the country, you may even be able to substitute your old gas furnace/air conditioner setup for a single heat pump – just ask your contractor for a recommendation.
But, what if it doesn’t heat my home quickly enough? Will I still get the old comfort levels I had before?
Worried about comfort? Although it may take a teensy bit longer for your home to reach temperature at the start, this shouldn’t be a problem. Your home will enjoy steadier, consistent comfort levels (especially if your heat pump is variable speed or operates in multiple stages). This is unlike the hot blasts of air that can sometimes be typical of a gas furnace. As long as you are not constantly adjusting your thermostat, you should have nothing to worry about.
Have any more questions about heat pumps? Let us know in the comments.
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How does a programmable thermostat help save you money?
Last week we touched on the definition of a programmable thermostat and we briefly discussed how a programmable thermostat can help you save money. BUT, just how do those savings translate? Let us show you.
Let’s take the average home in the Midwest.
Say the average cost to run your air conditioner each month is $120*. Per year, that meals you’ll spend approximately $1,440 cooling your home. Shocking figure, right? Well, the Department of Energy says that by using a programmable thermostat, you can save approximately 5-15% on cooling costs each year.
This would translate to $72 (on the low side) and $216 (on the high side).
But that’s not the only place you’ll see savings. Now, you have to figure out the average cost to heat a home per year. Say the average cost to heat your home is $75* a month. This translates to $900 in heating costs per year.
So, on the heating side, this means you could save anywhere from $45 to $135 per year on heating costs.
Altogether, that’s a range of savings from $117 to $351 per year!
With $350 you could by an Apple Watch, a 10-person family tent, a new TV and more!
This is without even figuring in other system features (like variable-speed operation, multiple-stages of heating or cooling, zoning, efficient, etc.). Combine a programmable thermostat with an ultra-high efficiency heating and air conditioning system and whole-house zoning and you’ll enjoy rock-bottom utility costs year round!
Do you have a programmable thermostat? If so, have you noticed reduced utility bill savings?
*Figures based on the average cost to run an air conditioner and a gas furnace per month. Actual costs will vary depending on the type of system you have, where you live and more.
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The top five things to keep in mind after you buy a new air conditioner
Have you recently had a new air conditioner installed in your home? Caring for our home heating and cooling system doesn’t stop at installation. Here are some things that you should keep in mind after you’ve had your brand new air conditioner installed.
- Note changes in efficiency. This isn’t something you necessarily HAVE to do, but it can be interesting to see just how much better your new system is at cooling your home. Savings with a new system can be staggering – there’s nothing better than seeing those savings to make you feel good about your new investment.
- Filter changes. Keep your indoor air quality fresh by regularly changing your furnace filter. The frequency of these changes depends a lot on your home (for example: a home with pets may need more frequent filter changes), but a good rule of thumb is to change your filter each season.
- Proper airflow. Fall will be here before you know it. Make your new air conditioner’s job easier by ensuring proper air flow – rake those leaves away if they are piling around your condenser.
- Maintenance. Even a newer heating and cooling system can benefit from routine maintenance. This can be scheduled with your local heating and cooling contractor – with air conditioner / heat pump maintenance in the spring and gas furnace maintenance in the fall.
- Registration. In order to receive full warranty coverage, most manufacturers require that your equipment is registered. So, whether it’s your job or the contractor’s job – make sure your equipment is registered!
To reap all of the benefits of a new cooling system, it’s important to give it routine attention. This way you can enjoy the best efficiency and ultimate comfort.
If you have a new air conditioner, tell me, what’s your favorite thing about it?
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10 ways to maximize air conditioning efficiency
Of course, we all want the most efficiency we can possibly get out of our air conditioners. While replacing an old unit with a newer, more efficient model is, obviously, the quickest and easiest way to improve efficiency, there are things you can do with your properly working, current unit to maximize cooling efficiency.
- Close windows and doors. Your conditioned air can easily escape outside when windows and doors are open. If you need to air out of your home, turn your air conditioner off. It’s not your job to cool the neighborhood.
- Plug leaks in your attic, under doors, around windows, etc... Air leaks can be a big problem for lost efficiency. Your cool air will leak outside and could result in your air conditioner operating longer than it needs to be. This will drive up utility spending.
- Set, or program, your thermostat and forget about it. Constantly fiddling with your thermostat can make your system run longer than it needs to, can result in more frequent on and off cycles, and can overall lead to poorer home comfort.
- Shade your condenser. A shaded condenser is a more efficient condenser. Just make sure that it adheres to the rules in #5.
- Maximize airflow around your air condenser. Plants and any other thing that could obstruct air flow should be a least 2 feet away from your air conditioner. Maximize airflow results for maximum efficiency.
- Keep up with filter changes. Again, maximum airflow means maximum efficiency. A dirty filter cannot only reduce indoor air quality, but it can also reduce airflow and make your air conditioner’s job harder.
DO NOT use registers for temperature control. When you open and close registers, it tampers with the cooling load your air conditioner is meant to cool. This can cause damage to your system and reduce home comfort.- If you need specialized control for each room in your house…invest in a zoning system. You can divide your home by rooms or groups of rooms for customized home comfort and maximum efficiency.
- Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. A thermostat set at a lower temperature does not necessarily cool any more quickly. Your air conditioner will actually just run longer – driving up utility bills.
- And the most important thing…keep up with yearly spring preventative maintenance. Your contractor can make sure your system is in tip-top shape and operating at expected efficiency levels.
So, what do you do to make sure that your air conditioner is working at maximum efficiency levels?
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The secret to maximum air conditioner efficiency
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times – maximizing air conditioner efficiency is the best way to cut your utility bill expenses. While, arguably, replacement is the best way to improve efficiency, there’s one thing you should be doing in order to get the best efficiency (and time) out of your old air conditioner.
What is this you ask? Well…
…schedule preventative air conditioner maintenance in the spring to prolong lifespan and maximize efficiency!
Your contractor will clean your condenser, make sure everything is functioning correctly and catch any minor problems before they can result in more than a few hot days without air conditioning during the summer. Keep in mind, summer is peak cooling season. If your air conditioner breaks down during this time, it could take a contractor a while to get to your home.
So, yes, it is the middle of summer now and the time for preventative maintenance has passed. But, this is good to keep in mind for next spring. Mark your calendars now so you don’t forget later.
As a side note, you may also want to start thinking about furnace preventative maintenance over the next couple of months. It’s important to get your furnace looked over before winter – just like it is important to get your air conditioner checked out before summer.
So, did you schedule preventative maintenance last spring? Are you going to next year?
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Ready, set, go! Start your search for a new air conditioner here.
If you started looking around for a new air conditioner you’re already aware that it is a huge financial commitment. You’re probably also aware that there is a lot of information out there about which system is best. Here are some things you should know before you settle on the brand new air conditioner for your home.
- Start with your contractor. Finding the right contractor is the most important part of the search. Read online reviews, get recommendations from friends and family, and find a contractor who is going to do the job right the first time. Be warned…you may have to shell out a little more dough, but you won’t regret it.
- Heat pump or air conditioner? Well, it depends on where you live. For some people, a heat pump may be all they need; for others, they could get by with only an air conditioner. And, for OTHERS a combination of one of these systems could get the job done year round. This is one of the areas where your contractor will be able to help you.
- Efficiency matters. Always. Always. Always! Invest in the most efficient air conditioner you can afford. If you are upgrading from an old system you can see significant savings with a high-efficiency air conditioner.
- Size matters. Make sure your contractor does a Manual J load calculation to make sure you are getting the right size unit. Air conditioners that are too small or too large will never cool your home properly.
- Maintain that new system! For warranty protection (and continued high performance levels) maintaining your air conditioner is critical. Schedule maintenance each spring to make sure your air conditioner stays in top-top shape.
Of course, there are other things that you should take into consideration when buying a new unit. A quality contractor can answer most of your questions. Where do you start your new HVAC equipment search?
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Does your air conditioner turn on and off frequently? It could be costing your more money.
Did you know that your air conditioner is the biggest energy consumer in your home during the summer? That’s why we have so many tips for saving money – save some energy, lower utility bils and pad your summer budget.
One way high-efficiency systems help save money is through temperature moderation. What does that mean? Essentially, fewer on and off cycles. Your system maintains temperature with constant, small adjustments. Other systems rev up every time the thermostat registers a temperature hike.
Why does this work? It would seem that running the unit longer (as opposed to shutting if off more often) would rive UP utility bills. But, that’s not the case.
It takes less energy to modulate tan it does to turn the system on. Your biggest energy expenditure occurs when the unit turns on.
But, energy savings is not the only benefit of modulating technology.
- More even temperatures. Temperatures hover around your set temperature closely when the unit is running longer at a lower capacity. Homes with systems that turn on and off frequently go through temperature spikes and stay on your temperature setting for less time.
- Better dehumidification capabilities. When your unit runs longer at lower capacities, it is able to remove more humidity from the air. Remember, a humid home is a hot home. This can make your home feel cooler on hot summer days.
Did you already know this? What are some other things about high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that you’d like to know?
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Beat the heat AND save money? That sounds like a good plan.
The summer heat may sometimes feel like it is burning a hole in your skin and your wallet. When temperatures soar upwards of 90°F, your air conditioner has to work double-time to keep your home cool. That means longer operating times, more energy used and higher utility bills!
Every little bit helps when it comes to savings. Here are some tricks that you can use to beat the summer heat AND lower your utility spending.
- Keep things consistent. It can be tempting to mess with the thermostat when temperatures soar. A few degrees here or there can’t HURT can they? Well, resist the temptation! Thermostats set at a cooler temperature don’t cool any faster. And changing the temperature on your thermostat will have it working overtime. Want savings without sacrificing comfort? Set the temperature a few degrees warmer and leave it there.
- Take advantage of ceiling fans. A ceiling fan can better mix the air in your home. Circulating the cool air is going to make the air less stagnant AND a cool breeze is always welcome on sweltering summer days.
- Have a hot south-facing room? Invest in some good blinds and curtains. Blocking out the sun can help lower the temperature of those rooms and help your air conditioner along. If it takes a shorter time for the room to reach temperature, the air conditioner won’t run as long.
- Use alternate cooking methods. Don’t underestimate the power of your oven to heat the kitchen up. Use a crockpot or the grill every once in awhile.
- Get a tune-up during spring. Preventative maintenance is the best way to make sure your unit is running at peak efficiency. Make sure you schedule this before the peak cooling season – when your contractor can come out sooner rather than later.
- Keep up with filter changes, get your ducts cleaned, plant at least two feet away from your condenser and have your condenser cleaned by a contractor. These are all ways that you can ensure that your air conditioner does not suffer from restricted airflow.
- When it’s time to replace your air conditioner…choose a high efficiency model! This is the best way to improve efficiency and maximize utility bill savings. Trust me, it’s an investment that you won’t regret.
Yes, those summer cooling bills can bring the heat to your budget. But, they don’t have to. What are your tricks for saving money during the summer?
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Even your air conditioner needs a check up!
Spring is in full swing! Temperatures are mild, and it can be hard to think about hot summer temperatures. So, here is a nudge from your friendly neighborhood HVAC man to start preparing. Schedule a preventative maintenance appointment before the cooling season is in full swing.
Why, oh why, do we stress preventative maintenance over and over? Well, let me tell you. Spring and fall are heating and cooling “off” seasons. What does that mean? During peak seasons contractors are busy, busy, BUSY answering emergency service calls. So, if your air conditioner needs servicing you will suffer long wait times.
But, during off seasons, you can catch small problems before they cause major headaches.
That is just one of many reasons preventative maintenance is important. Here are a few more:
- For many warranty agreements, preventative maintenance is MANDATORY. So, if you want to enjoy continued warranty coverage, just do it!
- Your air conditioner could be operating at less than ideal efficiency. This could be due to build up, airflow restrictions, or some other small issue. This can end up costing you money.
- Maintenance is important for your system’s lifespan. You want your air conditioner to run well for the longest time possible. Don’t risk this by avoiding maintenance!
Small issues with your air conditioner can turn into big problems if left untreated! Don’t let that be your air conditioner.
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Windows: to close or not to close?
The long, cold winter is over and spring is delivering a much needed breath of fresh air. Yes, it is tempting to forgo the heating and cooling equipment and rely on open windows for temperature control. But, you may want to take time to think about that. While opening up the windows is a good idea for airing out your home, there are drawbacks to this approach. Dust and particles can enter your home, which can lower indoor air quality.
Opening the windows for a long period of time can allow dust and allergens to enter your home. This can aggravate allergies and lower indoor air quality.
But, this is not to say that opening the windows in short bursts (particularly at the beginning of the season) can’t have its perks.
- Air out your home. A stuffy winter home can harbor unpleasant odors. An open window can bring in fresh air – relieving stuffiness and eliminating odors.
- BRIEF air conditioner substitute. On cooler days, an open window can be a substitute for your air conditioner. This may help you save money on utilities. But, be careful, turning your air conditioner on and off can drive up utilities, if done too often.
- Lighten the mood. Letting some sunshine in can be a welcome change from the drab, dark tone often set during the winter. Take in the sun, breath in the air and get ready for warmer temperatures.
So, to open or close the windows…that’s up to you. Just make sure your’re smart about it. Wipe down surfaces in your home where dust and allergens may have settled. So, we want to know, will you be keeping your windows open or closed this spring?