Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat for Convenient Energy Savings

January 1st, 2013 Posted in Thermostats
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If you want to gain the energy savings available by adjusting your thermostat, you can do so manually. You can turn the thermostat down when you leave the house and back up when you return home. Adjusting the thermostat a few degrees each evening for when you are sleeping can also add to your energy savings. 

There are two problems with the manual scenario. First, when you return home there will be an adjustment period of time while the temperature adjusts to the new setting; the same will be true in the morning. In the winter months, you’ll be getting up to a cold house and waiting for it to warm up while you get ready for the day. The second problem with the manual scenario is the fact that it is so easy to forget to change the setting in a rush to leave for work or school, or before going to bed. 

A programmable thermostat solves both problems. Once you have the thermostat set for your regular work or school schedule, it will automatically adjust the temperature settings each day according to your programming. You can even have separate settings for weekdays versus the weekend. You can also program in separate settings for nighttime sleeping versus daytime temperatures. 

Upgrading your current thermostat to a programmable thermostat makes energy saving simple and convenient. Your HVAC contractor can recommend a programmable thermostat and quickly install the thermostat in place of your old thermostat. The cost of replacing the thermostat can be recovered in a short of amount time by the savings in energy costs.

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Choosing A Heating System For Your Home

December 4th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
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If you are considering updating your current heating system in your home, there are several factors that you will need to consider. Obviously the type of fuel you want to use will be paramount, along with other factors such as overall cost, efficiency and size. If you are just looking at updating your current system using the same energy source, then the last three factors will be what you want to focus on, especially efficiency.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

AFUE is the efficiency rating a furnace has and all new furnaces should have this rating. The higher the number, the more efficient a system will be. If your current heating source is older, there may be a large difference in the energy it uses compared to newer models. For example, furnaces being sold today must have an AFUE of 80% or higher, ranging up to 96%. This can translate into money saved. If your old heating system is only rated at a 65% AFUE and you install a new system at 95%, the difference, 30%, is what you may be able to save in heating costs.

Fan Motor

Another consideration in the efficiency factor is the type of fan motor that the furnace has. Electrically communicated motors are much more efficient than the standard motor. Fan motors blow the warmed air through the ductwork and the electrically communicated motors are much more efficient and can save hundreds of dollars in energy each year.

 While overall cost is always a factor, make sure you are calculating the savings of a more efficient, albeit more expensive system. It may mean a larger initial purchase but considering the lifespan of a quality furnace, it may be a better-cost option in the long run.

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Are Some Rooms Warmer Than Others in Your Home?

November 6th, 2012 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Are family members always battling over the thermostat in your home? Is someone too hot and someone too cold? Is one person throwing off their blankets while another person is asking for extras? 

These differences can often be just different comfort levels between different individuals, but if you find that certain rooms or areas of your home really do feel cooler or hotter than others, then you may be dealing with improper distribution of heating and cooling air through your HVAC system. 

An HVAC system that has been properly designed and is operating properly should provide evenly distributed heat and cooling and maintain comfort levels throughout the home. If this is not the case, you may want to schedule a complete system efficiency analysis of your HVAC system, including the distribution system. 

For a forced air system this will include ductwork and vents, in addition to the furnace itself. For a boiler system, it will include the entire hot water distribution system. Thermostats will need to be tested to be sure they are operating properly. 

Following the inspection, the HVAC contractor should be able to give you a full report with maintenance and repair issues that have been uncovered, as well as their recommendations for addressing those issues and how they might be affecting the temperature levels in your home. In some cases, it may be determined that heating and distribution system were not properly sized or designed to meet the needs of the home. Again, a reputable HVAC contractor will be able to explain exactly what the flaws are in the system and make recommendations for correction. 

Don’t keep fighting over the thermostat and putting sweaters on and then taking them off again. Schedule a full HVAC system inspection.  Your home will be more comfortable and you will save money on heating and cooling costs.

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Tax Credits For Geothermal Heat Pumps

October 11th, 2012 Posted in Heat Pumps
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If you are considering installing an energy efficient geothermal heat pump in your home but are put off by the cost, don’t forget to factor in the effect of the federal tax credits.  Until December 31, 2016, all Energy Star rated geothermal heat pumps qualify for a 30% tax credit.  The credit is available for installation of a geothermal heat pump in a newly constructed home or replacement of the heating system in an existing home.

The credit applies to the cost of the equipment and also the installation and labor costs and there is no upper limit.  Geothermal heat pumps installed in second homes also qualify for the credit although rental homes are currently excluded.

Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient residential heating and cooling systems currently available, but they are significantly more expensive than standard air source heat pumps or other heating systems such as a traditional natural gas furnace.

However, they are so efficient that homeowners can cut their heating and cooling costs at least half depending on where they live and cost of fuel or electricity in their area.  Even with these savings on energy costs, it can take many years for a geothermal heat pump to pay for itself, but the 30% tax credit dramatically shortens the time it will take to recover the expense of a new heat pump.

Remember that a tax credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in your tax bill, so installing a qualified geothermal heat pump at a cost of $15,000 will save you $5,000 in federal tax.  In addition, many states offer tax credits for even greater savings.  With the federal tax credits, a geothermal heat pump can pay for itself in a short time and you can then enjoy year after year of saving money on your energy bill.

 

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The Many Advantages Of Geothermal Heat Pumps

October 11th, 2012 Posted in Heat Pumps
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A geothermal heat pump is one of the most energy efficient residential heating and cooling systems available.  Geothermal heat pumps are similar to air source heat pumps, but they rely on the earth as a source of heat in the winter and to dump heat in the summer.   Since the earth’s temperature remains at a relatively constant temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit just a few feet below ground, a geothermal heat pump is more efficient that an air source heat pump that can lose heating efficiency as temperatures drop below freezing.

Although their primary advantage is their high energy efficiency, there are plenty of other reasons to install a geothermal heat pump.  One reason is their durability.  Unlike air source heat pumps and traditional furnaces that have a service life of around 10 years, a geothermal heat pump should provide energy efficient heating and cooling for more than 20 years.

In addition to heating and cooling your home, many models of geothermal heat pumps also provide energy efficient water heating.  Also, geothermal heat pumps do not have a noisy outdoor compressor/condenser unit like a central air conditioner or air source heat pump.  The outdoor heat exchanger is a series of pipes buried underground.

Geothermal heat pumps are quiet indoors too.  The inside unit makes about the same amount of noise as a refrigerator so it is hardly noticeable.  Due to the way geothermal heat pumps operate, the heating and cooling results in more consistent, even temperatures that increases indoor comfort.

The main reason geothermal heat pumps are not more popular is that the cost of the initial installation is significant.  However, the 30% federal tax credit for Energy Star rated geothermal heat pumps helps reduce the out of pocket expense and the energy costs savings should pay for the unit in less than ten years.

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Fall HVAC Energy Saving Tips

October 11th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
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Fall is a great time to make a few energy efficiency improvements that will reduce your heating costs this winter.  The first thing on the list should be having your furnace or heating system inspected and serviced by your HVAC technician.  They will make sure it is operating safely and efficiently.  Now is a good time to change your air filter too.

If you are still using the standard blue fiberglass filters, take the opportunity to consider upgrading to a pleated filter.  A good pleated filter will improve indoor air quality, but even more importantly it will protect your coils from accumulating dust and debris that can rob your system of efficiency.

While your HVAC technician is at your home it would be a good idea to have your ducts inspected and sealed if necessary.  According to EPA estimates, about 20% of the warm (or cold) air moving through ducts is lost due to leaks and poor connections.  Duct sealing can improve energy efficiency and improve indoor comfort.

Consider adding a few more inches of insulation in your attic or under your floors.  There is a limit to the amount insulation that is cost effective.  Your HVAC professional can inspect your home and help you decide if you need additional insulation, but in general if the joists in your attic are covered with a lay of insulation, you probably have enough.

Finally, seal leaks around windows, doors, exhaust fans, drains, and other fixtures that penetrate the walls.  Air leaks not only waste energy, but they reduce indoor comfort levels by creating drafts and uneven heating.

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How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs to be Replaced

June 7th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
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A common question asked regarding a home furnace is when the furnace needs to be replaced. To be honest, there is no straightforward, simple answer. Many individuals believe that when their furnace begins to make noises or stops working altogether means that the furnace needs to be replaced; however, that isn’t always true.  You may just need a furnace repair. Regardless, it is important that you replace your furnace before it leads to an uncomfortable and unhealthy home due to an inefficient heating system.

Here are four signs that you may need to replace your furnace.

  1. Age of Your Furnace – How long have you had your furnace? The average life expectancy of a furnace in residential homes today is anywhere between 15 and 20 years. If you have had your furnace for nearly 15 years, then it is probably time to start saving up and searching for a quality replacement. After all, it is better to plan ahead to improve the mechanical appliances within your home rather than wait until the last minute when your furnace has to be replaced and replace it in a hurry.
  2. Check Your Energy Bills – Have you seen a rise in your energy bills? This could be a sign  of a furnace needing to soon be replaced. As a furnace ages, it becomes less and less efficient causing your energy bills to rise. When this happens, you are better off purchasing a new furnace that is energy efficient.
  3. Thermostat Comfort – If you find yourself constantly adjusting the furnace thermostat, then it could be because your furnace is unable to comfortably and properly distribute air throughout your home.
  4. Burner Flame Color – Have a look at your burner flame on your gas furnace. If it is yellow instead of blue then your furnace could be releasing a carbon monoxide poison in your home, which could result in a multitude of problems including serious health issues.

To learn more about when your furnace needs to be replaced, contact a professional HVAC company today. A HVAC technician can come out, inspect and analyze your heating system to ensure that it is in proper working order to ensure that your home environment is healthy and comfortable.

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Money Saving Home Heating Tips

March 16th, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
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Are you tired of high energy bills for heating your home?  There is no reason to put up with high energy bills for another year.  There are many energy efficient home heating options on the market including high efficiency furnaces and heat pumps that are much more efficient than those sold 15 years ago.  If you have an older model furnace or heat pump in your home, replacing it with a new high efficiency furnace or heat pump will save you a bundle.  Your new furnace may even pay for itself in less than 10 years.

If you already have an energy efficient heat pump or furnace, look around your home for sources of heat loss and air leakage.  Folding attic stairs are a commonly overlooked source of heat loss.  Since there is no insulation at the attic stairs, heat can leak out into your attic especially if the door is not sealed properly.  You can install an attic stair cover that will eliminate this problem.

Fireplace dampers are another overlooked source of heat loss.  Leaving your fireplace damper open in the winter is almost the same as leaving a window open and can drive up your heating costs by as much as 20% to 30%.  At a minimum, close the damper when the fireplace is not in use.  Better yet, install a draft stopper to further reduce heat loss through the fireplace.

Dryer vents typically just have a thin uninsulated metal flap to reduce air leakage.  Not only does this flap allow heat to escape, it is often stuck open by lint allowing warm air to flow out of your home.  An easy and inexpensive solution is to install a dryer vent seal.

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Are Fireplaces and Woodstoves Good Home Heating Alternatives

February 17th, 2012 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
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Almost every homeowner would like to reduce their home heating costs.  One option that often sounds appealing is heating or supplemental heating with wood.  This sounds like a great idea, but the reality is that it’s really only an effective alternative in a few limited circumstances.

First, heating with an open fireplace is very inefficient. Most of the heat generated in a fireplace is lost up the chimney.  In addition, in order to burn properly and to exhaust smoke, carbon monoxide and other combustion gasses up and out the chimney, a fireplace has to draw air in from the room.  That air is replaced by cold outside air that makes your way into your home.  A fireplace can actually make the rest of the rooms in your house colder. 

A modern woodstove is much more energy efficient than a fireplace and in some cases can supplement your home heating system, but there are a few caveats.  First, energy efficient woodstoves are expensive and for safe operation, they need to be installed by a professional adding further to the cost. 

Next, take into consideration the cost of the wood or pellets you will be burning.  If you plan to cut, split, and stack the wood yourself, consider the amount of time and the cost of the tools such as a chain saw, axe, and wood splitter.  Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a back injury or worse, an accident involving a chainsaw or axe.  It could take a very long time to make up the cost of a wood stove in energy savings.

The reality is that for the vast majority of homeowners, a fireplace or woodstove can add ambiance and charm to your home, but they are not very practical for home heating.  More effective alternatives include having a system efficiency analysis done by a reputable HVAC contractor or replacing an old furnace with a new energy efficient furnace.

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Energy Savings With Heat Pumps

January 18th, 2012 Posted in Heat Pumps
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Modern heat pumps are an excellent, energy efficient heating and cooling system for most American homes.  A heat pump is an HVAC system that handles both the heating and cooling of your home.  Despite a slow start when they were first introduced, heat pumps are now considered to be one of the most cost effective, energy efficient heating and cooling alternatives.

Heat pumps are very efficient heating systems because they use electricity to move heat rather than creating it.  Since they don’t create heat, they are much more efficient than most other heating alternatives such as furnaces that burn fossil fuels or use electric heating elements to create heat.

Most homes with a traditional furnace and central air conditioning system can be easily retrofitted with a split system heat pump.  These look a lot like a traditional central air conditioner and operate like a traditional central air conditioner in the summer when they are in cooling mode. They absorb warmth inside the home and discharge it outside the home.

When switched to heating mode in the winter, the heat pump operates in reverse to absorb warmth outside the home and discharge it inside the home.

The first heat pumps that were mass produced in the 1970’s were poorly designed and installed in homes with inadequate weatherstripping and insulation.  The result was that heat pumps initially earned a reputation for needing frequent repairs and for poor heating performance, especially in colder climates.

Today, heat pump technology has improved to the point that the opposite is true.  Modern heat pumps have excellent reliability and do a great job of heating in all types of climates, even those with prolonged periods of below freezing temperatures.  They are very efficient in both heating and cooling modes and can save homeowners a bundle on energy costs.

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