When it comes to cooling your home in some regions of the country, humidity control is as big of a problem as high temperatures. Unlike the arid Southwest, the Southeast and parts of the Midwest have very high humidity in the summer months and this can result in higher than necessary energy bills if you aren’t careful.
Unlike vowing to eat better or lose weight, resolving to make your home more energy efficient is an easy commitment. You’ll not only save money, but also feel more comfortable at home throughout the year.
At the end of the day, this is a decision you make based on your preferences, immediate needs and purchase ability. If health and safety are an immediate concern you might consider purchasing one or more window air conditioning units to buy some time until you get your central AC replaced.
The major driver behind the price you pay for an air conditioning and heating system is based on efficiency Energy efficiency is measured by SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system, with SEER ratings higher than 16 being considered high efficiency.
One of the most important factors in achieving satisfaction with your air conditioning replacement is the selection of the right contractor. Even the best equipment will not provide you comfort if it is not sized and installed properly. There are several organizations which certify AC technicians like NATE and ACCA.
One of the quickest and simplest ways to reduce energy costs is to use a programmable thermostat. There are many varieties of thermostats available today with a host of features, but the one that provides the bulk of the energy savings is the programmable feature.
There are inherent benefits to cooling the whole house including better air circulation, filtration and the elimination of cold or hot spots. However, there are times when cooling the upstairs bedrooms don’t make sense if no one is sleeping in them. There are two real options to successfully zoning your cooling space.
Just about every basic central air conditioner on the market will produce cold air throughout your home if it’s installed and sized correctly. However, there are some features of high efficiency systems that are often worth the additional price when you take more than just the initial purchase cost into consideration.
Ultimately this question is best answered by a qualified contractor, but there are some general rules that can help guide your conversation. Depending on the age, how often your system runs and where you live you could be better off replacing rather than repairing it.
Few things are as enjoyable on a cold winter night as sitting next to a warm fire. But the reality is that you might be sending your energy bill up in smoke. More than 100 million homes in North America are built with wood or gas burning fireplaces and nearly all of them can contribute to energy loss.
