The Ultimate Guide to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System in Your Home
As you may already know, 46% of the energy use of the average home here in Belleville, IL, goes toward HVAC operation. That means looking for the most energy-efficient HVAC solution for your home can save you quite a bit of money. However, there are a few different considerations you will have to contend with in a quest for the most energy-efficient HVAC. The most obvious is the specifications of your HVAC system itself, but that’s just the beginning. To help you maximize your potential savings, here’s a top-to-bottom guide to an energy-efficient HVAC for your home.
Begin With the Most Efficient System
The most direct way that you can improve your home’s HVAC efficiency is by purchasing the most efficient system you can afford. However, to do that, you must understand all of your options. If you’re planning to purchase an HVAC system with individual heating and cooling components, you must understand how to determine each component’s efficiency.
If you’re planning to buy a gas-powered furnace, which is the most efficient conventional heating option, you’ll want one with a high AFUE. That stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It’s easy to understand because AFUE ratings are equivalent to percentage values. So, for example, a furnace with an 80 AFUE is 80% efficient. If you want a high-efficiency gas furnace, though, you’ll want one with an AFUE of 90 or above.
Then, when you evaluate your air conditioning options, you will encounter a rating system called SEER. That stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Unfortunately, SEER is a bit harder to understand. It is a numerical representation of the efficiency of a given AC system when used during a typical cooling season. The easiest way to use the SEER system is to understand that the higher the SEER, the more efficient the AC. If you’re purchasing a conventional central AC, you’d do well to select one with a SEER of 16 or above.
You should know, however, that a heat pump will give you far better year-round efficiency than any conventional system ever could. In the winter, heat pumps can operate at up to 400% efficiency, given the right conditions. Also, heat pumps have an average SEER rating of about 20, making them one of the most efficient cooling systems available.
Upgrade Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
After purchasing the most efficient HVAC you can afford, the next thing you’ll need to do is prepare your home to make the most of it. The first thing you’ll want to do is have your home’s ductwork inspected and repaired if necessary. The average residential HVAC system wastes up to 30% of the energy it consumes due to ductwork losses. They can result from deteriorating ducts, improper insulation, and improperly sized ductwork.
Next, you’ll want to air-seal your home to the greatest extent possible. This means using caulking to seal any cracks in your home that allow outside air to enter. It also means installing things like weatherstripping and door sweeps to keep heat out in the summer and inside in the winter. If your home doesn’t have sufficient insulation, improving it would be another way to maximize your HVAC efficiency.
Use Your System Efficiently
Finally, how you use your home’s HVAC plays a pivotal role in its energy efficiency, too. For example, failing to replace a dirty air filter in your home’s HVAC can impose an efficiency penalty as high as 15%. And turning your thermostat higher in the winter and lower in the summer than necessary makes a big difference, too. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it’s best to keep your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 while you sleep during the winter. In the summer, they recommend keeping your thermostat at 78 while you’re at home.
For even better results, you can consider installing a smart thermostat in your home. The average ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat will save you around 8% on your yearly HVAC bills. Manufacturers of advanced models claim that their products can save homeowners between 15% and 30% on their yearly HVAC bills. In any event, a smart thermostat can give your HVAC system an efficiency boost that can help it pay for itself in less than a year in some cases.
Your Trusted HVAC Efficiency Partner
The good news is that BELOMAN can help you with all of your HVAC efficiency needs. We offer complete HVAC services, including ac installation, heating installation, repair, and maintenance. Plus, we offer duct cleaning and HVAC air filters, too. We also provide comprehensive plumbing services, should you need them. And as a business with roots dating back 65 years, you won’t find a better HVAC partner in Belleville. We’re even Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating!
If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s HVAC efficiency, call the experts at BELOMAN today, and we’ll show you how.
