If you are looking for ways to save money on your heating and cooling costs, a professional HVAC system efficiency analysis is an excellent first step. Central air conditioning and heating systems are notorious energy wasters, especially in homes build more than ten to fifteen years ago. When energy prices were lower, there was not as much of a concern about wasting energy. Most homeowners were happy to install heating and cooling equipment that was less efficient, but also much less expensive.
The same mindset applied to the construction of the home and installation of the duct system. Homeowners were less inclined to spend money on additional insulation, insulated windows, and eliminating air leaks around doors, windows, plumbing, and other areas where heated or cooled air could escape from the home.
With energy costs rising and record setting heat scorching the country, replacing an older less efficient furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioning system with a new energy efficient system can make good economic sense, but before you spend the money on a new system, it pays to have a system efficiency analysis done by a qualified HVAC technician.
You may find more cost effective ways to lower your energy bill, or to maximize the benefit obtained from the new equipment. The analysis will identify where you are wasting energy and make recommendations for improvement. Leaky ducts, poor weather stripping, and inadequate insulation are just a few of the relatively inexpensive improvements that can save you a lot of energy and money.
In addition, if you are going to purchase a new heating and air conditioning system, correcting the deficiencies found during the system efficiency analysis might allow you to install a smaller, more efficient heating and air conditioning system.
