With gas and electric costs consistently rising, it has become more expensive than ever to heat, cool, or even power your own home. Seeing that summer is here, there is no better time than now to reevaluate your A/C system to see if you could be more energy efficient. Your current air conditioning setup may be getting you by, but what if you could go from just surviving to thriving? When it comes to improving home energy efficiency, careful maintenance or a few minor upgrades to your existing HVAC system can go a long way towards increasing efficiency and in turn, saving you money.
The Importance of an HVAC System
In terms of energy usage, HVAC systems are estimated to account for nearly half of typical home energy costs. Comprising three components: the condenser, furnace/blower & the indoor cooling system, an HVAC system regulates all heating and cooling within a home. Along with the electrical configuration and water fixtures within, the HVAC system should be considered one of the most important components of a home.
With a damaged or improperly installed system, both the cooling and heating components will be inefficient and can cost you twice, in the form of increased energy bills as well as whatever maintenance costs are required. A smarter option that will work towards reducing these expenses is to be proactive about your HVAC system and ensure you're striving toward peak efficiency.
If you aren't sure if your HVAC system is running smoothly, you can do a few things to check it yourself, or bring in a professional to examine the system for you. On your own, you can check and change the air filter, ensure there hasn't been any rodent damage, and even inspect the condenser coil. As you are conducting these checks, make sure to call a professional if anything seems out of line. A lot of times, A/C issues can be solved easily, but if you don't know what you are doing, you could be making the problem worse. Leaning on an HVAC professional for your A/C needs can help fix any issue thrown your way this summer.
Choosing the Right HVAC System
The size of your home is certainly a factor that should be considered as you will want to choose a system with enough capacity for your space in terms of power, not too much or too little. If your unit is too small, it will have to work harder to perform in your space and use more energy. If you choose a unit that is too big, it can waste resources and cause potential humidity issues. The location of your home is also important, as the outdoor climate can greatly affect how hard your system will have to work to regulate the climate indoors. This will directly affect your energy usage depending on the efficiency rating of your system. Efficiency is often measured in SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) between 13 and the mid 20's. While the minimum rating in the United States is 13, any system with a rating of 14 and above is considered high efficiency. Many of the highest efficiency systems boast ratings in the 20s and are sure to help ease the costs of energy consumption.
Perhaps the ultimate factor, in this case, is your budget. You'll want to choose a system that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Although a full replacement can carry higher costs, with the proper system and installation, it should actually save you money in the long run.
Preparing the Home for a New System
Simply installing a new HVAC system is not going to solve all of your heating and cooling issues. You will need to first prepare the rest of the home to be energy efficient, if you want your new HVAC system to be as well.
The first way to improve the efficiency of your home is by sealing any gaps, cracks, or areas where air can escape your home. For many, windows and doors will be the main place you are losing air. If you notice that you have minimal gaps and cracks, you likely can handle the problem yourself using an insulating spray foam. If you notice that you have larger gaps and cracks across the entire home then you will want to bring in a window and door professional to fix the problem.
Besides issues with gaps and cracks, you will want to
prepare other areas of the home to accommodate your new HVAC system. If you are
getting a new updated system, investing in a new thermostat would be smart. New
HVAC systems are more advanced than ever before and can pair with smart-home thermostat systems to be even more
energy-efficient. Before the installation date, pick up a new thermostat to
keep your house the perfect temperature year-round.
Benefits of High-Efficiency HVAC Systems
A high-efficiency HVAC system has the potential to reduce energy use by 50% for electric systems & 10% for gas heating systems. In many cases, homeowners can get double or triple their return on investment when replacing a system that's over a decade old. Newer, recently installed HVAC systems boast energy efficiency ratings that represent incredible improvements over the existing units that are commonly found in older homes.
When it comes to home heating and cooling systems,
the initial costs of materials and installation may represent less of a worry
as compared to your expenses down the road, resulting from the efficiency of
your system. Despite full replacement costs ranging from $3,000 to $12,000,
fortunately, there are a number of financing options available including
applying for a personal loan to use for home improvement or Reliable's budget friendly Comfort Club program that includes lifetime repair, maintenance....even filters. A loan or alternative purchasing option allows you to
afford maintenance or the installation of a new system when you need it, rather
than suffering in the extreme heat or cold while you save up for a replacement.
If a loan isn't something you are interested in, Comfort Club might be the best option for you. Through our own HVAC
financing program, homeowners can keep their cash and get new energy efficent HVAC systems for zero down.
Whether you're in need of HVAC service or just
looking to cut down on your energy bills, considering routine maintenance or a
system replacement is a smart investment towards reducing long-term expenses
while improving your home's energy efficiency. With a properly installed
system, you can ensure your home is prepared for any climate conditions that
may come your way.