Are HVAC systems energy efficient?
Here in Georgia, the deeps South, summers get blistering hot and miserable. If you never had air conditioning before moving here, it will be the first thing you’ll get after getting your electricity turned on. Speaking of electricity, that HVAC system will use a lot of energy, so you may want to look into getting an energy efficient HVAC system.
Can HVAC systems be energy efficient? Yes, and it will be to your advantage over time to get the best energy efficient HVAC system that you can afford. An HVAC system can be expensive, but the electric bill can be expensive too, and it will keep increasing the older your HVAC system. By taking the financial hit and upgrading your current system to a more energy efficient HVAC system, your electric bill will lower, and overtime, that will help pay for your new energy efficient HVAC system.
Maybe house you move into has an HVAC system already, aren’t they all energy efficient? Absolutely not! Any HVAC system more than 10 years old is not going to be as energy efficient as an HVAC system today. So, what is HVAC efficiency?
The energy use of an HVAC system is measured by SEER (Seasonal HVAC Energy Efficiency Rating) which computes the cooling equipment of the HVAC system energy efficiency on an average. An energy efficient HVAC system should get you no less that a SEER rating of 10 to 13 units. There are HVAC units on the market today with a Seer rating of 20 to 28 units.
What is the most energy efficient HVAC system?
The most energy efficient HVAC system for cooling and heating your home that you can purchase today is a Geothermal heat pump. You want an HVAC system that will keep your home and family comfortable but keep the energy expenses low. A geo-thermal heat pump can do that for cooling and heating needs.
A Geothermal heat pump has a EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) between 12 and 45, the higher he number, the more efficient. Little maintenance is required, a plus for homeowners, and have a life expectancy of fifty years. A Geothermal heat pump uses the ground around your home to cool and heat your home, making it one of the most enviro-friendly methods of cooling and heating.
If a geothermal heat pump pulls heat from the ground to heat your home, how does it cool your home? The heat pump will remove the heat from the air around your home, transfers it a fluid that circulates into the ground. The temperature of the ground is 55F, and the heat will dissipate from the fluid to the ground, the results is cold air coming into your home as the result of the heat being removed from the air that is circulating, sending the heat back into the ground.
Is high efficiency HVAC worth it?
The older your HVAC system is, the less efficient it is, so with a new energy efficient HVAC system, the more you’ll save each month in energy cost and the longer the HVAC system will last. The other factor in getting an energy efficient HVAC system installed, and this may be as important as the energy savings, is your home’s overall comfort.
How can I improve my HVAC efficiency?
Yes! Here, we’re going to offer you six tips on how to make an HVAC system efficient and keep your home comfortable.
- Annual professional maintenance.
Your HVAC system will be more efficient and perform better with regular professional maintenance. In the spring, schedule an air conditioning tune-up and in the fall, schedule a tune- up for the heating. This will minimize the chance of having any performance problems on the hottest day of summer or the coldest night of the winter, and anywhere in between! - Regularly change the filter.
This is your responsibility as a homeowner! To have the best energy efficient HVAC system possible, change the HVAC filter regularly, a recommendation is every 30 days. This is a simple maintenance task, but the most important to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and minimize any breakdowns. Every 30 days change the filter, even if it doesn’t look dirty. - Install a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat, can lessen the cooling and heating demands on your HVAC system, and in exchange, you get an energy efficient HVAC system that will save you as much as 15% on your cooling and heating costs. - Ductwork inspection.
You may be surprised what is living in your air duct system. Dander, dust, and more, including critters and insects. These air pollutants in the duct system are pulled through your HVAC system and blow out into your home. Every five years have your air duct inspected by a professional. They will any debris, make repairs if needed so that the air blowing into your home’s air is cleaner and healthier. - Energy audit.
Getting a home energy audit isn’t as scary as an IRS audit, and in fact, it will help you save money by finding where your home is losing energy. A professional home audit will include an evaluation of your HVAC equipment, attic insulation and ventilation, and the doors and windows. - Time to Upgrade.
After the energy audit, you may want to consider getting your HVAC system upgraded with an energy efficient HVAC system. Yes, this will be a costly investment, but it will also improve your energy cost, while it improves the air quality and comfort in your home.
What is the most efficient heating system for a home?
Just as with the cooling of your home, a Geothermal Heat pump is one of the most energy efficient ways to heat your home too. A geo pump will pull the heat from the ground and circulate it into your home. You’re using a source of heat that is constantly recreating itself and not putting anything into the environment.
Why are energy efficient HVAC system expensive?
As great as upgrading to an energy efficient HVAC system sound, the cost of a new system is scary. Not every household has thousands of dollars to buy an energy efficient HVAC system, but some HVAC installers, they offer payment plans with low-interest rates. Keep in mind, what you’re spending in upgrading to an energy efficient HVAC system, you’ll be saving a large portion of that on your energy cost. It is also an upgrade to your home, so that should you decide to sell later, having an upgraded energy efficient HVAC system, home buyers look for these things and are willing to pay a higher price for a home. Need energy efficient HVAC installation? Call 478-960-5825 today!