Efficient Heating Options For Your Home

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Heating and cooling a home are two of the largest utility expenditures which commonly plague homeowners. With the hot summer months gone, the colder weather of winter is approaching, along with higher heating bills. If your electric or gas bills skyrocket in the winter months, it may be time to consider a different heating option. Many of the energy-efficient furnaces, heat pumps and ductless heaters  on the market today can provide a substantial savings on your heating bills, plus add value to your home. 

Energy Efficient Heating Options

Choosing the most efficient heating source for your home will depend on several factors. In regions with mild winters, a heat pump is often the best solution. For more extreme winters, though, a furnace is usually a better option. Still, if you have an older heat pump or furnace, it may not be as energy efficient as those available today. 

  • Heat pumps. If your heat pump is ten to twenty years old, there’s a good chance it’s poorly rated for efficiency when compared to new models. Newer heat pumps offer SEER and HSPF ratings which can be double those of older models. This can lower your monthly electric bill, saving you hundreds of dollars a year on both heating and cooling your home.
     
  • Gas furnaces. For gas furnaces, you want a model which offers the best Annualized Fuel Usage Efficiency, or AFUE rating. The higher the number, the more efficient the furnace. In mild climates, you will want a rating of at least 90%. In colder climates, opt for 95% or better.
     
  • Mini-split heat pumps. For some homes, a mini-split ductless heat pump may be a viable option. To just heat one room or area, these small, ductless units are a great option. 

If you have an older heat source, talk to your local HVAC contractor about the efficient options now available. Many of these newer heat sources can pay for themselves in a matter of just a few years, plus add to the value of your home.

Posted on behalf of Find Local HVAC

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Is Your HVAC System Efficient?

September 28th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Efficient HVAC systems save commercial and residential property owners money thru reduced operational costs.  Saving money is extremely important to both business owners and homeowners alike in today’s economic environment.  The best way to determine the efficiency of any system is to perform a thorough energy efficiency analysis, which will examine energy consumption, energy costs and identify any potential cost savings opportunities.  The goal of the analysis is to make specific recommendations to improve system performance, while minimizing costs and maximizing comfort. 

Typically an energy efficiency analysis will consist of a physical examination of the existing HVAC system, as well as a quantitative analysis of the system.  During the physical examination, the technician will examine the individual components of the system, while performing an inventory of the system.  The condition of the individual components will be noted, as well as any existing safety hazards.  The system’s air distribution and temperature systems will be checks as well.  In some cases, an indoor air quality test may also be performed.  

As one would expect, the quantitative analysis on the system is all about the numbers and data.  Past historical data showing the ownership and operating costs of the HVAC system are examined to determine the total cost of ownership.  An analysis of energy consumption will also be performed to determine how much energy is being consumed.   Based upon the physical inspection of the system, as well as the quantitative analysis of the data, a written report is provided to the property owner with specific recommendations, estimated costs for improvements, as well as an implementation plan for the proposed improvements.

Posted on behalf of Find Local HVAC

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When Was The Last Time Your Air Ducts Were Cleaned?

August 13th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Homeowners depend on their HVAC systems to cool and heat their homes, often through extensive ducts which transport air throughout the rooms and different floors of the house. All the air in the home comes in contact with these ducts, both depositing and picking up particles within the ducts. Although most HVAC systems have filters to protect the air quality, after the air is filtered it can still pick up dust and other allergens in dirty air ducts before reentering the home. The question you should be asking yourself is when was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned or inspected? 

Are Your Ducts Contaminating Your Air?

There are many ways in which air ducts can become less than clean over the years. Accumulation of skin, hair, pet dander and many other particles is common within the ducts of an HVAC system. In addition, more hazardous debris is often found inside these ducts, including dead pests, along with their feces and urine, and harmful mold growth. While dirty ducts can add particles to the air which are irritating to those with allergies, the real risk is when toxins that can affect everyone’s health are being circulated into the home through dirty ductwork. 

In addition, your duct system can lose some of its efficiency due to dirty ductwork, poorly sealed ductwork, or poorly insulated ducts. 

The easiest solution to protect your family from possible allergens and toxins from dirty air ducts and to maximize system efficiency is to have them cleaned and inspected on an annual basis. A system efficiency analysis can ensure the air flowing through your home is not being contaminated by your ducts, as well as making sure your ducts are properly sealed and not losing the cooled or warmed air into walls or crawlspaces. If it has been over a year since your ducts have been inspected or cleaned, call your local HVAC service provider to schedule an appointment for a system efficiency analysis or duct cleaning.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Reduce Cooling Energy Costs This Summer

June 18th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Nothing beats a cool, air conditioned home on a hot summer day. Still, no one likes the shock of a high energy bill after an especially hot summer month. While it can be expected for energy use to be higher when using an air conditioner during the hottest months of the year, there are ways to save energy and money. This summer, enjoy your cool home and reduced energy costs by using these money-saving air conditioning tips: 

  • Perform scheduled maintenance. Your air conditioner will perform better and more efficiently if it is maintained. Before the hottest months of summer hit, have your air conditioner serviced, including having the filter changed.
     
  • Programmable thermostat. If your unit has a programmable thermostat, use this device to save energy. Program your unit to only cool your home during times when your family is home and awake, usually during the late afternoon and early evening. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, you may want to invest in one of these energy-saving devices.
     
  • Insulate your cooled air. Keep drapes or blinds closed during the hot daytime hours, keeping cooled air in and the hot sun out. This can reduce how hard you air conditioner must work to cool the air in your home.
     
  • Energy efficient unit. If your air conditioner is 10 or more years old, it will likely be less efficient than almost any unit sold today. Many older units have less than half of the efficiency of new models, so investing in a new HVAC unit can save you money for years to come. 

Whether it is time to invest in a new thermostat or air conditioner, or just time to have your unit serviced, your local HVAC service company can help you save money off your energy bills this summer.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Have Your Air Ducts Been Inspected Lately?

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Air ducts are an important aspect of your HVAC system. However, often homeowners are unaware that they are in need of repair or service. Poorly maintained air ducts can have detrimental effects, including increasing your heating and cooling costs as well as affecting your air quality. There are several good reasons why you should have your air ducts regularly inspected to protect your family and to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. 

Importance Of Maintaining Your Air Ducts

Regardless of how well your HVAC system seems to work or how new your air filters are, if your air ducts are dirty or in poor repair, your entire system may be working inefficiently. Your air ducts transport the heated or cooled air throughout your home, so any issues in these ducts can affect your entire home. Here are few excellent reasons to schedule a air duct inspection: 

  • Energy costs. Any holes or cracks in your air ducts may be leaking your expensively cooled or heated air before it reaches your vents. One of the biggest causes of high heating or cooling costs is poorly maintained air ducts.
     
  • Air quality. Over time dirt, dust and even pest debris can accumulate in air ducts. The air that travels through these ducts is picking up these elements and pushing them out into your home. This can hurt your air quality, increasing the chance of allergies and other illnesses.
     
  • Efficiency. If a duct to certain rooms or areas of the home is damaged, it can affect how efficiently that area is cooled or heated. Does one room or area seem to be more difficult to keep at a comfortable temperature? It may be a problem in your duct work.

If you have not had your air ducts cleaned or inspected in a year or more, it may be time to schedule a time for your HVAC professional for a system efficiency analysis appointment. In the long run, it could save you money off your energy bills and increase the quality of air in your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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Do You Need A Zoned HVAC System?

April 10th, 2014 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Not all rooms in the home heat and cool the same. Some may get hotter due sunshine hitting that side of the house, others may be well insulated within the interior of the home. These drastic changes in cooling and heating needs throughout the home make it difficult to maintain an even temperature, causing your heat pump, furnace, or central air conditioner to wor harder and energy bills to skyrocket. For homes that have these types of issues, a zoning system may be the answer. 

Would A Zoning System Work For Your Home?

A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in rooms separately, making  your home more comfortable and energy efficient. However, not all homes are in need of this type of system. Open floor plans and small, one level homes may not need to have separately controlled rooms. Some of the homes that often benefit from a zoning system include: 

  • Home with two or more stories
  • Homes with rooms that are consistently cooler or hotter than others
  • Homes with basements or levels that are underground
  • Families with members who need different temperature levels
  • Homes with rooms or areas which are rarely used 

If any of these apply to your home or family, a zoning HVAC may be worth investigating. By giving each area or room its own temperature zone, you can gain control of what you spend on cooling and heating. In addition, you can finally stabilize the temperature in rooms which get too warm or too cool. Talk to your local HVAC professional about converting your home to a zoning system and see what a difference in can make in the comfort and efficiency of your home.

Posted on behalf of James Smith, ClimateSmith LLC

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HVAC System Efficiency Analysis

August 10th, 2013 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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In today’s economical environment, every homeowner is looking for ways to reduce the costs associated with owning their home.  While certain expenses, such as the mortgage payments and taxes, are fixed and cannot be reduced, other things such as utility expenses can possibly be reduced, if all of the mechanical systems within a home are working properly and efficiently.  Inefficient HVAC systems can be causing a homeowner to overspend a significant amount of money each month on electricity and natural gas.  The cost can be very significant when you look at the total cost over 5 or 10 years.  One way to determine if the HVAC system is causing a homeowner to throw money away on utility bills is to have a professional HVAC contractor perform an HVAC system efficiency analysis. 

As part of this analysis the HVAC contractor will perform a detailed analysis of the cost of ownership and the operating costs.  During the site visit, the HVAC contractor will perform a detailed equipment inventory, while performing an energy consumption analysis.  In addition, the contractor will identify potential safety issues, such as carbon dioxide leaks and in many cases be in a position to proceed with the necessary repairs immediately.  The goal of the analysis is to identify possible improvements to the HVAC system that will reduce monthly utility bills through increased efficiency, while maximizing comfort! 

An HVAC system efficiency analysis is very economical to perform and can be easily scheduled with a professional HVAC contractor with a dedicated service department.  Protect your investment, as well as your hard earned money and schedule an inspection as soon as possible and take the first step towards lower utility bills!

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Should You Consider a Solar Powered HVAC System?

May 21st, 2013 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Here’s how it works. Just as the sun’s solar energy can be harnessed to produce electricity, so can it be used to generate the power of a building’s entire HVAC system, in addition to other electrical devices. Currently, solar powered HVAC systems are either stand-alone, which means they operate independent of the utility grid, or grid-connected, which means they are part of an interactive system with the utility company.

With the grid-connected type of HVAC system, the solar system can produce enough power to supply the current needs of the buildings systems or, if the current electrical demand of the building is less than that the power produced by the solar system,  it can be back-fed into the utility grid. Some states provide cost incentives to allow business owners to take advantage of these lower operating costs, thus promoting the transfer of HVAC systems to the solar powered. 

A single solar rooftop unit can be fed electricity directly from solar modules to power a building’s entire central heating and cooling systems. Excess solar energy, when the rooftop unit is not operating, can be used to supply electricity to other of the building’s electric needs. If more power is generated by the solar system than is needed by the building, it is re-routed back to the utility grid. Additionally, real-time 24 hour monitoring can be provided to aid in a further increase of efficiency by tracking data as to how the environment is actually impacted by the system and what savings are realized. 

Contact your local HVAC professional to see if a solar powered system would meet your specific business or individual needs.

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Reasons to Consider Duct Sealing

March 8th, 2013 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Traditional forced-air HVAC systems keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They can also be a source of major energy usage, especially if they’re not properly maintainted. 

While some energy loss can be attributed to improper thermostat placement, failure to maintain a system and inefficient insulation, the EPA estimates that up to twenty percent of heated or cooled air circulating through an HVAC system is lost through leaks in the home’s ductwork. Leaking ductwork dramatically reduces the efficiency with which your system operates, while increasing your energy bills. The problem can become even more pronounced when a duct system runs through attics, crawlspaces and other areas with temperatures that aren’t maintained by the HVAC system. 

When the air ducts within your home are leaking, the rises in your energy bills may be gradual and, as such, difficult to notice. In addition to higher energy bills, one sign of possible leaks within your ductwork is uneven heating and cooling of your home. If some rooms never seem to be the same temperature as the rest of your house, it could be attributed to leaks within the ductwork leading to those rooms. A central unit that seems to run almost constantly in order to maintain a comfortable temperature may also be struggling to keep up the setting you’ve chosen while heated or cooled air is being lost in the attic or crawlspace. 

Discussing your concerns and possible solutions, including the sealing of your ductwork, with a licensed and experience HVAC contractor in your area can help you save big bucks over time, as well as reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

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How to Save Money and Energy on Your Heating Bill

January 29th, 2013 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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In the winter, many people worry about how to lower their heating bills. There are plenty of ways to save energy and cut down on those costs. Here are some good options.

  1. Set your thermostat on a reasonable temperature. In the winter, a good temperature to set the thermostat on is 72. This will warm your home, but you will not have to worry about the heating cost going up from constant use
  2. Close the vents to any unused rooms. If the room is not being used, it is cheaper to close the vents and door to the room than to than to continue heating it.
  3. Use insulated draperies on your windows.
  4. Make sure that there are no gaps around doors or windows. Gaps will allow warm air to leak out and cold air to get in. Install new weather stripping where gaps are found.
  5. Get a thermostat that is programmable. This will allow you to set it to turn the heat down when you are not home or when you are sleeping. This can drastically lower a bill, because it will keep the heat from running unnecessarily. 
  6. Change your filter. If the filter is dirty, it will make the furnace work harder and that will cost you more money.

By following these few simple tips, you will find that there is less energy and money being required to keep your home warm. You don’t need to sacrifice dollars to stay comfortable in your home if you learn to operate your heating system efficiently.

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