An HVAC System is an essential part of any home or building. The HVAC system is made to help control the environmental conditions within a building to create a comfortable environment through heating and cooling the space, regardless of the time of year and weather outside. You’ll want to have an energy-efficient HVAC unit because they require less energy to work, which means you’ll spend less money in the long run.
What Makes an HVAC System Energy Efficient?
When it comes to devices and machines, energy efficiency is the first thing people look for. It is no different for HVAC systems, which can take up a significant portion of energy costs in a home.
Different factors will make an HVAC system energy efficient. The type of system you have to how it is maintained can all affect energy efficiency. Because of this, even small changes to an existing system can help make it more energy efficient.
The Science Behind Energy Efficiency in HVAC Systems
When it comes to finding the most energy-efficient HVAC system, it helps to have an understanding of the science behind them. Here are some of the different scientific ratings most energy-efficient HVAC systems will be rated with:
Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): SEER is the measured ratio of cooling output, which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) and then divided by usage, measured in kilowatt-hours. For the SEER rating, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient HVAC ducting you have. The SEER HVAC rating uses seasonal cooling conditions rather than lab-created conditions.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): Another rating most energy-efficient residential HVAC systems will have is an EER rating. The EER rating does not use seasonal averages to get its ratios. Instead, it uses strict laboratory conditions for its testing. Like with the SEER rating, the higher the EER number, the more energy efficient the HVAC system is.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): The HSPF rating is the ratio of how efficient the HVAC’s heat pump is, which cycles in both directions to produce hot and cold air. The HSPF rating measures exactly how much total space heating is necessary, using the BTU measurement divided by the total amount of electricity used by the pump in kilowatt-hours. The higher the HSPF ratio, the more efficient the heat pump is.
1. Retrofit An Old System
This a great option for large, energy-intensive systems that have been well-maintained through their lifetime. You can replace the system’s compressor, add condenser fan controls, and add air side economizers that help take advantage of the cool air outside.
2. Invest in a Whole New System
Alternatively, if you plan on staying in the same home for a long time, you may want to consider installing a whole new energy-efficient system with energy-efficient HVAC ducting. This is especially true if you have an old system. Check for units with high SEER ratings and Energy Star-Rated models that adhere to strict energy efficiency guidelines.
3. Increase the Insulation of Your Space
To have the most energy-efficient residential HVAC system possible, you also want to ensure your home itself is well insulated. By insulating your home and the unit’s ducting properly, there is less of a chance of air escaping, so the unit will not have to work as hard to heat and cool your home overall.
4. Use Aeroseal Duct Sealing to Avoid Duct Leakage
When you hook up an energy-efficient HVAC unit to a leaky duct system, it completely defeats the purpose by allowing the air to escape before it reaches the inside of your home. This is a costly issue that is often overlooked in HVAC maintenance and can cost you a lot of money. By using a product like Aeroseal, any cracks, and holes will easily be filled, preventing any more air leakage.
5. Install Programmable Controls and Thermostats
Programmable thermostats and controls also help to make the most of energy-efficient HVAC units. These systems allow temperatures to be automated, so they can change depending on the time of day, and take some of the workload off of the HVAC system itself. A simple change of temperature during the day when nobody is home can drastically decrease the amount you spend on your utility bills.
6. Preserve the System Airflow
Keeping your HVAC unit free from dust and debris is essential in maintaining an energy-efficient unit. Dust, dirt, and debris can all clog a system and force it to work harder to push out hot and cold air.
Also, you want to ensure that your furniture and curtains are not blocking any of the air vents or ducts, which could prevent air from flowing smoothly and efficiently.
7. Make Use of Curtains and Blinds
During summer months, keeping curtains closed during the day will help block out some of the summer heat, allowing your home to maintain a cooler temperature. Alternatively, opening the curtains during winter will allow even the smallest amount of sunlight to come through and naturally warm your home, so your HVAC system works less.
8. Perform Regular Maintenance
It may seem like common sense, but people surprisingly overlook the importance of performing regular maintenance on their units. At both the start and end of every season, you want to get your system inspected to ensure everything is in working order. By having regular maintenance checks by Green Apple Mechanical NJ, you can avoid being caught by surprise by a system failure and costly repairs.
9. Watch the Thermostat
If you set your thermostat closer to the outside temperature, then the HVAC system will not have to work so hard to heat or cool your home. This is also why installing a programmable thermostat is such a good idea, that way, it will change automatically, without you having to watch it constantly.
10. Change Air Filters Regularly
As the HVAC system is used, the air filter inside of it gets clogged with dirt, dust, and other types of debris. The dirtier the filter gets, the harder the system is forced to work to do its job, making it use more energy and costing you more on your utility bill. By changing the filter regularly, you can ensure that your HVAC system always has a clean air filter, so it can function at its best.
Green Apple Mechanical NJ are the experts you can trust. Customer service and care are always our number one priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC concerns or needs call today toll-free at 888-611-7191
