Energy Efficient & Cost Efficient Changes to Your HVAC
The rising costs of oil have many homeowners searching for ways to reduce their energy consumption and reduce the rising costs of maintaining their home. Although there are a number of ways to reduce your energy bills throughout the year, you can start by making energy efficient changes with your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Most homeowners need to save money without compromising quality. This usually means making changes to an existing HVAC system as opposed to changing your ventilation system altogether. However, if you find yourself faced with purchasing a new HVAC system, consider energy efficient models. Although some of these models have higher initial costs than traditional units, the energy savings and environmental benefits are well worth it.
If you're working with an existing unit, consider having it professionally maintained on a regular schedule. Keeping a clean system will help your HVAC use less energy and save you money. Try and schedule this maintenance prior to heavy use in the winter or summer. Not only will this help decrease your energy costs, it will also prolong the life of your HVAC system.
Filters, although great for removing airborne particles from your system, can become dirty and clogged, decreasing the energy efficiency of your unit and causing it to work harder to provide proper air conditioning. By cleaning or replacing your filters monthly, you can improve air flow through the HVAC system and improve energy efficiency.
Keep outdoor units clean and free of snow, dirt, and leaves. Ice can accumulate around and on units in cooler areas and prevent optimal energy efficient performance of your HVAC system.
Make sure the units in your HVAC are working properly. If they need to be replaced, consider purchasing an energy efficient HVAC system. If your unit is more than ten years old, you may want to replace it. Furnaces and air conditioners both come in energy efficient models and you'll need to look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The Trane XV95, for example, is a furnace with an AFUE rating of 96.7, one of the highest for any furnace. High AFUE ratings can help save you up to 40% of your annual energy bill.
You'll also want to look at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. In general, the higher the rating, the higher the energy savings. Another Trane product, the Trane XL19i with a SEER rating of 19.5, one of the highest in its class.
If you decide to replace a major HVAC appliance, consider doing it in the off season. For example, consider replacing a furnace in the summertime when it's less likely to be used right away. This will give you more negotiating flexibility with price.
Also keep in mind that a thermostat can help save you money and energy, too. Lowering the overall temperature of your home in the winter can help save you money. Just a degree or two can save you a few percentage points off of your total energy bill. Same goes for raising your thermostat temperature a few degrees in the summer. Opening windows in the summer can help, too. Not only can this help increase indoor air quality and naturally ventilate your home, you'll also save money.
You may also want to consider installing programmable air vents in infrequently used rooms. This helps decrease bills by maintaining air conditioning only where it's needed.
If you install a programmable thermostat, you'll find yourself saving money as well. These types of thermostat maximize energy efficiency in the home. In the winter you can program them to lower the temperature at night or during the day when you aren't home. In the summertime you can use them to raise the temperature during unoccupied periods.
Resource Article: http://www.napsnet.com/articles/57400.html