Ross and Witmer If the HVAC system in your Charlotte, NC home is on the fritz, consider a new energy-efficient one to replace it. This simple upgrade can save 20-30 percent on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint significantly. Here are three tips for selecting an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Make Sure It Has High Efficiency Ratings
You can make the process of selecting an efficient HVAC system simpler by opting for units with high-efficiency ratings. When it comes to air conditioners, efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. The higher the SEER, the less energy the unit will consume. For the most efficient units, look for a SEER of 16 or higher. For gas furnaces and heat pumps, efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), respectively. The higher the numbers, the better the energy-efficiency. For AFUE, look for 94 percent. For HSPF, look for 9.2 or higher.
Check for Energy-Saving Features
Be sure to also select an HVAC system with energy-saving features. Air conditioners with high SEER ratings often have variable speed blowers for reduced electricity consumption, fan-only switches for natural cooling, and programmable thermostats for precise temperature control, among other things. Energy saving features of heating systems include highly efficient furnace blower motors and geothermal heat pumps. It’s also a good idea to choose Energy Star-rated products, which are known for their high-efficiency features.
Get the Right Size
No matter which HVAC system you choose, it must be sized properly for your home to operate at maximum efficiency. If you select a unit that’s too small or too large, you can reduce system efficiency by 30 percent, increase your utility bills, and shorten the life of the unit. A professional HVAC contractor will know to do a load calculation before installing your new HVAC unit. This will help you determine the heating and cooling needs for your home and ensure that you choose the perfect unit size.
Selecting a new energy-efficient HVAC system will pay off for years and years to come. Learn more about home heating and air conditioning services or call our experts at Ross & Witmer at 704-392-6188.