Why should you invest in high-efficiency HVAC equipment? Savings!
Heating season will be here before you know it! Do you know what conditioner your gas furnace or heat pump is in? Older systems may not perform up to your comfort expectations, AND they could be costing you during the winter months as a result of inefficient performance.
In fact, if you have a system that is 10-years-old, or older, you could be dealing with a unit that has not only lost efficiency after years of operation, but one that started off less efficient than even the standard-efficiency units of today.
Heating and air conditioning units today feature:
- Multiple stages of operation
- Noise reduction features
- High-efficiency capabilities
If you’re considering a replacement, try to invest in the most efficient unit you can afford. This goes for both heating and cooling equipment. Efficient equipment is more costly upfront, but you will not regret it when your first utility bill arrives.
Not sure if you need a new gas furnace or air conditioning system? Schedule maintenance this fall with your local HVAC contractor. They can look over your system, clean it, and either give it a clean bill of health, or suggest the right replacement.
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Why switching to a high-efficiency air conditioner is a good idea
Are you feeling the heat? Summer can really hit us where it hurts – our wallets. That’s why it’s important to do all you can to save money on utilities. After all, you want all of your extra cash going towards fun summer activities, not the utility companies.
Not surprisingly, heating and cooling equipment during the peak seasons are going to comprise the majority of your utility bill expenses – sometimes 60% or more! That’s why it’s so important that you do things to make sure your air conditioner or heat pump is running at peak efficiency during the summer.
The best thing you can do for your current cooling system is scheduling preventative maintenance in the spring. But, as we are into July already, that isn’t an option. If utility bill expenses seem high, you can always have a contractor come out and make sure your existing equipment is running as efficiently as possible. But, if your air conditioner is reaching the 10-year mark or beyond, it’s probably time to start looking into a replacement. Old models had to meet lower efficiency standards than even standard-efficiency equipment manufactured today, AND they may suffer from reduced efficiency due to years of operation.
Your best bet when replacing an old air conditioner is to invest in a high-efficiency model. This is going to give you the biggest return on your utility bills. Systems today go into the 20-SEER range. The system you have in your home today may be rated at 10 SEER or lower.
Not only can high-efficiency air conditioners reduce the amount you spend on cooling during the summer, but they also come with additional features that can improve home comfort. These features include: reduced noise levels, more even temperatures and multiple stages of operation. Plus, they are compatible with programmable thermostats and zoning systems that can help you save even more during the summer.
Yes, a high-efficiency air conditioner is going to cost more upfront. But, at the end of the month, it’s an investment that you won’t regret making.
If you want to reduce utility bills, make sure you get in touch with your local HVAC contractor – no DIY here!
If you’ve had a high-efficiency air conditioner installed in your home, have you seen the benefits?
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The best ways to save energy during the summer.
This summer has been a hot one already! Thermometer-busting temperatures mean more than just uncomfortable outdoor temperatures. It can also mean wallet-busting utility bills at the end of the month. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do that can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, while maintaining a comfortable home.
Here are our top 10 summer energy savings tips.
Turn off lights. No-brainer right? Well, you can take it a step further. Make sure you unplug all electronic devices when you are not using them. Things that are plugged into an outlet still use electricity if they aren’t turned on.
Keep windows and doors closed. On hotter days, this isn’t really a temptation. But, when the temperatures drop into the 70s and 80s, opening up the windows and airing out your home can seem like a welcoming prospect. Just remember, it isn’t your job to cool the neighborhood. If your air conditioner is on, your windows and doors should be closed.
Invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can be a real efficiency life-saver during the summer, particularly if no one is in your home during the day. Of course, you can always try to replicate what a programmable thermostat does for you with a non-programmable model. But, you risk affecting comfort and actually spending more money on utilities.
Find out if zoning is right for your home. Uneven temperatures can be a real comfort killer during the summer. Zoning systems help solve these problems by using just the right amount of energy to cool the different zones in your home. No energy wasted cooling rooms that have already reached optimum comfort.
Replace an air conditioner that is 12 years old, or older. If your air conditioner is getting up in age, it may be time to consider a replacement. Air conditioners produced 10+ years ago had to meet lower efficiency standards and have probably lost some of that initial efficiency over years of use. A new air conditioner will be the best way to reduce utility bill spending.
Weatherize for summer. Sealing any air leaks around windows and doors during the summer can help make temperatures feel more even in your home as well as minimizing cool air lost. It also pays off in the winter.
Use fans to help a room feel colder, but turn it off when you aren’t in the room. There is this misconception that fans actually create cold air. That is not the case. Fans actually just circulate the air. But, they can make you feel cooler by displacing the warm air around your body. So, if you want to feel cooler, turn on a fan. But, when you leave the room, make sure you treat it like a light and unplug it.
Set your thermostat to the warmest temperature you are comfortable with and stick to it. A degree or two isn’t going to make a significant difference when it comes to comfort. But, it can make a big difference when it comes to how much you spend a month cooling your home. So, find your ideal temperature and stick with it.
Invest in ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. ENERGY STAR rates everything from washers to air conditioners. So, if you want to make a high-efficiency upgrade, look for the ENERGY STAR label. If you have a complete ENERGY STAR home, you are going to save much more on utilities.
Use blinds and curtains to block the sun in south-facing rooms. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference when it comes to home comfort. Using blinds and curtains, especially in a south-facing room, can lower the temperature and reduce the cooling need in a particular room.
Remember, your air conditioner is your biggest energy consumer during the summer. You can make sure it is running as efficiently as possible by performing a home energy audit or having your local HVAC contractor take a look at your system.
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Getting the most out of your cooling system without breaking the bank.
Nothing beats the cooling power of an air conditioner on a hot summer day. However, that comfort comes at a cost. And, with it predicted to be an even hotter summer than years before, your air conditioner may have to work extra hard to keep your home at the temperature you like.
However, with proper cooling practices your wallet doesn’t have to feel the full brunt of a hot summer. Here are some tricks that you can use to get the most out of your air conditioning system without breaking the bank.
Keep windows closed. On more mild days it can be tempting to open the windows. And, while opening the windows briefly can be a good way to relieve a stuff home, you must keep in mind that it is not your job to cool the neighborhood.
Change your furnace filter. Enhancing efficiency is all about improving airflow. A dirty, clogged filter can really be an airflow killer. Make sure you regularly keep up with filter changes – performing one at the beginning of the cooling season and the beginning of the heating season at a bare minimum.
Raise the temperature setting a few degrees. Find the highest temperature setting you are comfortable at and stick to it. A degree or two isn’t going to have a severe impact on comfort levels in your home.
But…don’t constantly change your thermostat temperature settings. You shouldn’t constantly fiddle with your thermostat. As a matter of fact, thermostats set at a lower temperature will result in equipment that runs longer and doesn’t necessarily cool any faster.
Don’t put off replacing your old model with something more efficient. While this could be a significant upfront cost, it will gradually pay off month to month. Even minimum efficiency units manufactured today are significantly more efficient than those that were manufactured ten years ago.
Set a reminder in your calendar for spring preventative maintenance next year. The most important thing you can do to make sure you are getting the most out of your air conditioner is schedule preventative maintenance in the spring. Although we are moving out of spring and into the cooling season, it can be a good idea to set a reminder for next year so that you don’t forget.
Always call your contractor if something doesn’t seem right with your system (i.e. your bills seem much higher than usual). They can help diagnose the problem or give you tips for cooling your space the most efficiently.
What do you do to maximize your air conditioner’s cooling power during the summer?
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What you need to know about air conditioner efficiency
It’s spring preventative maintenance time! It can also be a good time to replace your old air conditioner with something shiny, new and more efficient! Finding a new air conditioner can be tough, and before you go into the purchase process it can be a good idea to get a general idea of what to look for in a new system.
Arguably, the most important indicator of performance and overall system satisfaction over the course of an air conditioner’s life is its efficiency. That is because heating and air conditioning equipment comprises the majority of your utility bill expenses month-to-month – nearly 60% in some cases. So, any way you can cut back on heating and cooling operating costs will mean more money in your pocket.
The main indicator of air conditioner efficiency is SEER. SEER stands for the Seasonal Efficiency Ratio. There are minimum requirements for air conditioner efficiency generally starting at 13 or 14 SEER (depending on the type of air conditioner/system and the area of the country that you live in). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system, and the more money you can expect to save on cooling costs during the summer.
Now, higher SEER systems typically come with a higher price tag. But, you have to weigh a couple of things before you decide that you don’t want to spend more money up front. The main thing is the savings you can see over the life of your system. Maybe you’re spending more up front, but you may be able to recoup those costs over the life of your system. But, if your budget doesn’t have the room for a high-efficiency air conditioner, you can always make an upgrade to standard efficiency. If your system is over 10 years old, even a standard-efficiency system today is going to be significantly more efficient than an old standard-efficiency unit from the past – maybe 30 to 40% more efficient in some cases! This can still translate to significant savings over your old system.
Always consult with a local heating and air conditioning contractor before you settle on a system. They will be able to give you the best system recommendations for a home in your area with your specific wants.
Do you have a high-efficiency air conditioner? Are you seeing savings?
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Saving energy (and money) during the spring
Are you planning a big summer vacation this year? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few extra bucks to take along with you? Heck, even if you aren’t planning a vacation, lower utility bills are always welcome. Remember, your heating and air conditioning equipment is most likely the biggest consumer of energy in your home – making up around 60% of your utility bills. And, although this is the time of year where your heating and air conditioning equipment is least used, it is still a good idea to try and efficiently manage your systems.
Here are our tips for keeping the utility bills low this spring.
Don’t turn your air conditioner on and off.
Spring can be a confusing time (temperature-wise). It may seem like you need heat one day and then the air conditioner the next. Best practice is to set your thermostat and forget it. Only make the switch over from heat to cooling mode once.
Make sure your condenser’s airflow isn’t blocked.
Whether it’s grass clippings or plants, you want to make sure that your air conditioner or heat pump isn’t having a hard time drawing air into it. Make sure to keep grass clippings away from your condenser and plant at least two feet away from the unit.
Same goes for your furnace…
You may want to also consider changing your filter. A dirty filter, like grass clippings, can block airflow and increase the amount of energy your unit has to use to distribute air throughout your home.
If your air conditioner is on…
Make sure you don’t have the windows open. Not only can open windows let in dust, dirt and allergens – it can also result in longer running times for your air conditioner, heat pump or furnace (if you’re using it).
Take advantage of your windows and blinds.
Controlling the amount of sunlight that comes into your rooms with south-facing windows can heavily affect the temperature of that room. If it’s a bit chilly, open the blinds or curtains and let in some sunshine. If it’s too toasty, close them back up.
Check your registers and vents.
Make sure they are all open. It may be tempting to control comfort by opening and closing vents, but it could affect the performance of your HVAC system and increase utility bills.
You can also ask your local heating and air conditioning contractor to come out to your house for a spring maintenance appointment. This way they can make sure that your equipment is operating (or has the potential to operate) at the most efficient levels possible.
What are your energy-saving tips for spring?
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Five things you will love about high-efficiency furnaces
Happy “nearly” Valentine’s Day everyone! Whether you’re looking to cozy up with your sweethearts at home, or are going out for a romantic dinner for two – having a warm environment is going to play a big part in making the night enjoyable (even if it’s not the first thing on your mind). If you’re out shopping for a new gas furnace and are having a hard time making a decision, we’re here to help.
Here are five reasons why you should choose a high-efficiency furnace for keeping you and your loved ones warm this winter.
- Even a standard-efficiency upgrade can be a great way to save money on heating costs. Now, imagine the savings if you shoot for more than standard-efficiency! Furnaces today reach nearly 100% efficiency.
- High-efficiency furnaces often come with home comfort features that can add additional comfort to your home! For example, variable-speed operation can lead to more even temperatures. Say goodbye to cold spots.
- While a fireplace may be romantic, it can actually be a major source of heat loss. So, while the area immediately around your fire could be warm, the rest of your house may be cooler. While we don’t discourage using the fireplace completely (if you have one) just make sure you don’t forget to close the damper after each use. Then, your high-efficiency furnace should be able to get the rest of the house back to temperature quickly and efficiently.
- With a high-efficiency furnace, you are also reducing your environmental impact. After all, you are going to be using less energy to heat your home during the winter.
- And, at the end of the day, you will have more money to spoil yourself, or your sweetheart, this Valentine’s Day! More flowers and chocolate for everyone!
If you’re interested in upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace this winter, you should get in touch with your local HVAC contractor!
Did you recently switch to a high-efficiency furnace? Have you already seen savings on your heating costs?
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Just how much can you save with a high-efficiency furnace?
Are you trying to figure out the best way to cut back on heating expenses during the winter? Although there are little things you can do (turning the thermostat down, investing in weather stripping, closing blinds, etc.) the change that is going to make the biggest impact is upgrading from an old furnace to a new high-efficiency model.
Older models, from 10 or so years ago, did not have to meet the same efficiency requirements that systems manufactured today have to meet. So, not only will the efficiency of your old system have decreased (through normal use), it may have started off less efficient than even standard-efficiency systems today. That’s why you can save money with even a standard-efficiency system.
High-efficiency furnaces can dramatically reduce utility bills because heating and cooling costs comprise most of your utility expenses (nearly 50% according to the Department of Energy). Say you currently have a furnace operating at 70% AFUE and you upgrade to a 95% AFUE model. That’s an increase in efficiency of approximately 26%. Say your heating bill runs approximately $100 a month on average currently; that’s a savings of around $26 a month or $312 a year.
Plus, there are additional home comfort systems that can help you save even more money. Like pairing your high-efficiency gas furnace with a digital programmable thermostat or a zoning system.
Have you talked to your local heating and air dealer about your high-efficiency furnace options? If you have a high-efficiency furnace, have you seen savings on your heating bills?
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Heat Transfer Vs. Original Heat : Determining Heat Pump Savings
Over the past weeks, we’ve talked about the different systems you can use to heat your home. But, do you want to know the big thing that sets them apart?
It’s heat transfer and heat creation.
Here’s a very basic breakdown of what these two methods entail.
Heat Transfer: When the system uses refrigerant to transfer heat using the outdoor air.
Heat Creation: When the system uses energy sources (like natural gas or electricity) to create warm air.
So, which systems use heat creation?
Well… a lot of systems use heat creation. Think of your air handler, a space heater and gas furnaces. These methods tend to use more energy. That’s why, if you have an air handler with heat strips, or are using room or space heaters to heat your space, your electric bills can seem SKY HIGH. Gas furnaces also use heat creation, but are generally considered a less expensive way to heat your home. That’s because natural gas rates are normally lower than electricity rates in most areas.
All right, so which system uses heat transfer?
Well… that would be our friend the heat pump. Interestingly enough, it’s also the way an air conditioner works. Your heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer heat between one air stream and another. In winter, it transfers heat from the outdoor air to refrigerant. Then, the refrigerant transfers that heat into the indoor air.
How does this translate to heat pump savings?
Heat transfer generally requires less energy than heat creation (to a certain temperature mark). Which is why, if you live in an area that doesn’t see frequent temperatures below freezing, you can see savings when choosing a heat pump paired with an air handler for your year-round heating and cooling method. It’s also why, in other areas, a dual-fuel system is such a good idea. Instead of using an electric back-up heating method during the fall and spring, your heat pump can take over the job.
Make sure you keep this in mind while you are designing your new heating and air system with your local HVAC contractor. They’ll be able to tell you which method is the best for your home based on your local weather conditions!
Do you use a heat pump for year-round heating and cooling?
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Need to make a repair to your gas furnace? Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Uh oh! Does your gas furnace need a repair? Whether it’s because your furnace is old or wasn’t installed properly – a gas furnace repair can do a real number on your budget. Unexpected expenses are never fun, but they do happen. That’s why you should try to plan ahead and weigh average furnace repair cost when making decisions during installation.
The average furnace repair cost for 2015 was $267 dollars. Now, that may not seem like much now, but imagine having to make those repairs year-after-year due to poor installation?
If you want to avoid paying furnace repair costs, there are some things you can do to head-off repairs and expand lifespan.
- Hire a quality HVAC contractor. Don’t just go with the professional who gives you the lowest quote. A lot of times, contractors who take the time to maintain a quality business have higher overhead costs, which may be reflected in the quote they give you. But, after a repair or two due to poor installation, you will have more than paid for the higher quality contractor. Check our online reviews and schedule a consultation before you hire.
- Keep up with preventative maintenance. A maintenance appointment is going to be easier to work into your budget. It won’t be unexpected and you will know that it’s coming. This is the best way to catch minor problems BEFORE peak seasons and extend the lifespan of your unit.
- Change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter can actually block airflow and cause damage to your unit. Buy a $20 filter now and save on hundreds of dollars of repair costs in the future.
- Don’t buy from online auction sites. When you buy from unauthorized sources or auction sites, there is no guarantee that the unit is high quality AND it will likely not be covered by any warranty. Not only that, but most quality contractors are not going to go near a system that was purchased in a back-alley way.
Home Advisor has a cool tool for determining the cost of a repair for your area. Pretty neat, huh? You can look a the national average or change it to your zip code.
Yes, repair costs are inconvenient. BUT, never attempt to fix your own gas furnace. A gas furnace is complicated and can be dangers if not repaired correctly. Always call your local heating and air conditioning professional.
Did you know what the average heating repair costs were for your area?