With the amount of time individuals spend indoors each day, indoor comfort should be one of your top concerns. Take a look at how air conditioning can play a role in ensuring that time spent indoors is comfortable and productive.
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You’ve probably seen air conditioning and heating tune-up specials offered at low prices, such as $29. Are these tune-ups worth it? A good AC tune-up can help you save on monthly energy costs by identifying any potential issues with your air conditioning system before they become significant problems. But do you get a good tune-up for such a low price?
Contractors who offer low-priced services want to grab your attention, but be cautious. Sometimes, this is just a ploy to get into your house and find other maintenance work. If the inspection only takes 20-30 minutes, the contractor probably did not do a thorough job. Be sure to get multiple quotes, especially if the contractor tells you that they have to replace equipment after a superficial inspection.
Homeowners should have their air conditioning and heating systems evaluated by a reputable contractor annually. Before you enter into a relationship with any contractor, make sure that they are a reputable company.
Before you schedule an appointment, ask the contractor what they do during the inspection and if they will explain the checklist. Ask them how long it normally takes and if the service technician earns a commission on any additional revenue. Contractors should be ACCA or NATE certified.
At the minimum, the contractor should clean the indoor and outdoor units to remove any dirt and debris that restrict air flow. The contractor should also check refrigerant pressures and adjust if necessary. The result of the tune-up is a more efficient and reliable AC system, as well as peace of mind.
According to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, the average household spends over $2,000 on energy bills every year with nearly half going towards heating and cooling costs. Making smart decisions about your home’s HVAC system can help you cut energy costs and improve your overall comfort at home.
If your home’s HVAC system is more than ten years old or not working correctly, consider replacing your equipment with a new high-efficiency unit to cut energy costs. The SEER rating is the key to choosing the most efficient HVAC system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system.
Most high-efficiency systems have an important feature called “capacity modulation.” This feature provides lower energy consumption, improved humidity control, better air quality and a more comfortable living environment.
Be sure to hire an HVAC contractor to size the equipment for your home. Installing the right sized equipment is essential for system performance and indoor comfort. Don’t assume that your old equipment was optimally sized.
Larger systems will not always perform better. A system that is too large will frequently cycle on and off, shortening the life of the equipment. Also, an oversized system may not dehumidify properly, leaving your home cold but not comfortable.
High-efficiency air conditioning systems typically have large outdoor condensing units. This feature helps improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs. Another component that you don’t see is the indoor evaporator coil and blower, which cools the air and circulates it to all rooms in your house.
Most homeowners consider the blower motor to be part of the furnace. But it serves an essential function of the air conditioning system as well. Replacing the blower motor will help ensure that the new air conditioner performs at its rated efficiency level. It will also noticeably improve home comfort during all seasons.
Another way to save money on your heating and cooling bills is by resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do this without sacrificing comfort by installing a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat.
If you have a consistent schedule, you can predetermine the times you turn on the heating or cooling by using a programmable thermostat. If you would like to monitor and change the temperature in your home remotely from your smartphone, a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat might be the way to go. Either way, controlling the temperature in your home is vital to reducing your heating and cooling costs.
While these options offer homeowners terrific energy savings, there are also many rebates and incentives offered by federal, state or local governments and utility companies. These come in the form of direct rebates, tax credits, or tax reductions and can be significant depending on your location and type of system. Call your contractor to get the details.
A net-zero building is a building with zero net energy consumption. Over the course of a year, the total amount of energy used by the building is equal to the amount of renewable energy created by the building, often onsite. Net-zero homes and commercial buildings are seen as more environmentally-friendly compared to traditional buildings, appealing not only to occupants but also to state and local governments.
Several trends are driving the growth of net-zero homes. Designers and builders are looking for an edge to promote their buildings. At the same time, new building codes are focused on improving energy efficiency. Sustainable building initiatives are not only the norm, but they’re a way to reduce operational costs. Most utility companies offer rebates and incentives to offset the initial costs.
California leads the way with new energy-efficient building codes and standards. The state aims to have all new residential construction attain net-zero status by 2020 and commercial construction by 2030. Developers and builders are working on buildings that use less energy and create renewable energy on-site. The approaches, designs, and materials used are becoming more efficient, making net-zero buildings affordable for many residents and businesses.
Most net-zero homes still connect to a power grid since renewable power technologies such as wind and solar do not always generate enough power at peak energy usage times. There must be provisions for energy storage either on the grid or onsite.
Energy or thermal storage technologies capture the renewable energy, rather than returning it to the grid. The sun doesn’t shine at night, and the wind is not always blowing, so at these times, the building needs to get energy from the grid or onsite storage. Control strategies are essential, and utility services such as load shifting and demand response help to make these investments worthwhile.
The other side of the net-zero equation involves reducing the amount of energy that the building uses. The less energy used, the less renewable energy required to offset that demand, and the lower the operating costs. New high-efficiency HVAC and lighting technologies play a significant role in meeting energy targets. HVAC systems designers develop strategies that address cooling, heating, and air circulation for occupant comfort.
Today’s high-efficiency equipment delivers capacity modulation to precisely match the needed heating and cooling. Modulating air conditioning systems provide lower energy consumption, improved humidity control, better air quality and a more comfortable environment throughout the whole home or building.
Net-zero homes require cooperation between the building designer, construction team, owner/operator, and often, the occupants. The building envelope and lighting are vital considerations. All devices, even those that plug into the wall, must be energy efficient. Peak loads must be carefully planned for, especially when selecting heating and cooling equipment during extreme outdoor temperature conditions. HVAC equipment designers work with the most efficient compressors, fans, and pumps, coupled with advanced controls, to meet the net-zero energy goal. The result is a more efficient system that uses less energy and saves operational costs.
Wearing a seersucker suit isn’t the most fashionable way to keep cool, but men wore the all-cotton fabric for decades as an alternative for wool suits.
Seersucker suits used to be an excellent way to stay cool when air conditioning was nonexistent or more uncommon than it is today. But, you can leave your seersucker suit in the closet this summer. Learn how to choose the most efficient air conditioner for your home.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, commonly referred to as SEER, measures the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner. It’s often compared to gas mileage. A car with a higher gas mileage runs more efficiently. Similarly, an air conditioner with a SEER rating is more efficient. However, a SEER rating is a maximum rating.
Understanding key terms will help you work with your HVAC contractor to choose the most efficient air conditioner for your home. Proper sizing of your air conditioner should only be done by a trained and certified contractor. Now keep your seersucker suit in the closet!
Many consumers install high-efficiency HVAC equipment in their homes with high expectations. They want increased comfort, better indoor air quality, and most importantly, reduced energy bills. However, too often, homeowners are disappointed with the results, especially the high bills. Leaking ductwork might be contributing to your high energy bills below. Learn more below.
There is more that contributes to the efficiency of an HVAC system than just the equipment. We’re talking about ductwork. Installed in attics, crawlspaces and inside wall cavities, ductwork is used to carry conditioned air to the various rooms of your home. When the ductwork is not sealed, air leakage often leads to a loss of efficiency, reduced comfort, and higher utility bills.
According to Energy Star, HVAC systems lose 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system due to leaks, holes or poorly constructed ducts. Leaks lead to reduced airflow, which causes temperature inconsistencies throughout the home. One room might be comfortable while the back of the house is not. Leaking ductwork also pulls in dust, fumes and other contaminants that affect indoor air quality.
The first step is to make sure that your ductwork is leaking, and it’s not a different problem. Other concerns include:
A professional HVAC contractor can help identify the issue and provide guidance on how best to repair.
There are several ways to seal ductwork including mastic sealants, tape, and aerosols.
The three types mentioned above are all good options and will do an excellent job sealing the ductwork.
After fixing the ductwork, homeowners can expect to have better airflow, increased comfort, and reduced utility bills. The extent of changes will depend on the original condition of the ductwork system.
Congress recently reinstated geothermal tax credits for residential and commercial geothermal heating and cooling systems. They provide a 30 percent tax savings for residential installations and a 10 percent commercial tax credit. And homeowners who installed a geothermal system in 2017 can still claim the 30 percent credit.
Similar to ordinary heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps use the ground (instead of outside air) to provide heating, air conditioning, and hot water. Because it uses the earth’s natural heat, this technology is one of the most efficient heating and cooling options available.
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 reinstated tax credits for fuel cells, small wind and geothermal heat pumps. Taxpayers can claim a credit of 30 percent of qualified expenditures for a system located in the United States.
These expenditures include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and the piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home. If the federal tax credit exceeds tax liability, the excess amount may be carried forward to the succeeding taxable year.
Here is the maximum allowable credit, equipment requirements and other details for geothermal heat pumps:
In addition to the federal tax credit, many states offer additional tax credits for installing geothermal systems. Local utilities offer rebates for many energy-saving technologies. Ask your contractor about available incentives and rebates.
For example, a $26,000 system in New York would qualify for a $6,000 state rebate. Plus, the federal tax credit would drop the cost enough to make it competitive with traditional heating and cooling.
Because a portion of the energy used in buildings and homes is related to the thermal loads of heating, cooling, and water heating, one of the drawbacks of standard air conditioning is that the system meets limitations as the outdoor temperature reaches extremes. This is most common with a standard heat pump system in winter. As the outdoor temperature drops below 25°F, it reduces the heat pump’s ability to return air to the system at the proper temperature.
A geothermal unit avoids this scenario by using the natural heat in the ground, which is much better at retaining a consistent temperature. In fact, the EPA ENERGY STAR program has identified geothermal as one of the most energy-efficient technologies available.
Winter can be tough on outdoor equipment. When the weather warms up, there are a few steps you can take to prepare your air conditioner for the summer. With a little effort, you can set up your home for a trouble-free cooling season.
First, start with the outdoor unit:
Then, inspect the indoor unit:
Here are some more tips to help you start up your air conditioner successfully:
Many homeowners turn off the circuit breaker for the outdoor unit during the winter. In the spring, it’s a good idea to carefully turn the circuit breaker back on at least 24 hours before powering up the air conditioning unit.
To turn on the indoor circuit breaker, first, find the breaker panel in your home. It may be in the basement or the garage. Carefully open the panel and find the breaker switch labeled outdoor AC. Flip the breaker switch to the on position. Don’t use any tools, and never stand in water when turning breakers on and off.
Many outdoor units also have a second electrical disconnect mounted outside in a rainproof box near the unit. This service disconnect is installed so that service personnel can easily remove the fuses from the outdoor unit during service. Homeowners generally don’t have to access this electrical box.
Many homes with central air conditioning have a furnace-mounted humidifier for the entire home. These units maintain power humidity levels in your home during the cold winter months. Before starting up your air conditioner in the spring, it’s a good idea to turn the humidistat all the way down or off. This dial is usually mounted on or near the furnace. Be sure to turn off the water supply line if a water valve is available, and slide the air bypass door to the ‘summer’ position.
If the humidifier has a pad or screen to hold the water during evaporation, check for mineral deposits. This is the best time to clean or replace this function, if necessary. If dust or dry deposits have collected inside the humidifier, these should be vacuumed out as well. Check the furnace room periodically throughout the summer to ensure that no water is collecting on the floor.
Wait for a warm day to start up your air conditioner. If possible, stand by the unit while someone else turns the thermostat to cooling. Listen to the operation of the compressor and outdoor fan. After initial start-up sounds, the unit should be humming after about 30 seconds. Make sure the outdoor fan running quickly. The unit should not start and stop erratically. Hot air should be blowing out of the top of the outdoor condensing unit, and cold air should be blowing inside the house.
Make sure the system is set to run for at least 15 minutes the first time you turn it on.
There are two refrigerant lines running from the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler. The suction line is the large copper pipe on the outdoor unit. This line brings the cool refrigerant back to the compressor in the outdoor unit. The suction line should be insulated. Touch the suction line (or suction fitting) after about a minute to make sure it’s cold.
If the air doesn’t feel cool, or there’s no air at all, something is wrong. You should immediately turn off the system at the thermostat. We would recommend going through the checklist one more time. If the problem persists, turn the system off, and call a trusted HVAC contractor to diagnose the problem. Leaving the system turned on when it’s not running properly can do a lot of damage. Finding an HVAC professional to help figure out why your system isn’t working is always the best idea.
A brief inspection of your air conditioner now could help keep your system running smoothly during the summer months. When performing this inspection, take note of the overall system health in order to assess the likelihood of a problem. If your system is old and has endured an unusually harsh season, it might be time to call for help.
A qualified technician can help you do a more thorough spring technical inspection to avoid a system failure in the hottest months of the year. The technician can also help address any concerns you have, so let the contractor know what you found during your own inspection. Summer is just around the corner and no one knows your house better than you.
This webinar discusses how to become an expert and help customers connect the dots between efficiency and comfort.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently published an article discussing why people invest in energy efficiency upgrades in their homes. The organization’s new report, How to Talk About Home Energy Upgrades, surveyed nearly 2,000 homeowners, exploring their motivations when it comes to investing in energy-efficient technologies for the home.
Industry professionals understand the benefits of technology such as modulating HVAC systems. They control temperature more precisely, remove extra humidity, run quietly, and are energy efficient. But how do you convey these benefits to homeowners effectively? Read on to learn more.
The report found that homeowners don’t seem to care about the cost of energy upgrades as much as the comfort and health benefits they provide. While industry professionals know the benefits of energy-efficient systems, it’s important to keep in mind that homeowners may not. They’ll be more at ease with the cost of upgrades once they fully understand the pros and cons.
When deciding whether to invest in energy efficiency upgrades, homeowners want the details. Contractors should be prepared to explain the following benefits to homeowners:
Each homeowner has unique challenges and needs. Contractors should ask questions to understand the situation and provide helpful counsel.
Investing in energy efficiency upgrades can be intimidating to homeowners who don’t understand the terminology or technical operations of these new systems. Outline a clear, jargon-free plan that any homeowner can understand. Without a clear plan, homeowners may become stressed and will lose trust in you.
Homeowners have many options when it comes to upgrading their home energy systems. Knowing the benefits of home energy upgrades is critical before meeting with homeowners. Be sure to get to know each homeowner and create a customized plan that fits their needs.
