Heating and cooling your home can be a big part of your monthly expenses. In fact, according to Energy Star, the average U.S. household spends about $2,200 annually on energy bills, with nearly half of that going towards heating and cooling the home. But there are ways to reduce those costs. One of the most effective ways is to choose an energy-efficient HVAC system for your home.
Here are five tips to help you choose the most efficient HVAC system for your home.
1. Know Your Options
There are several different types of HVAC systems on the market, so it’s important to consult an Indianapolis furnace tune up and installation expert to help you understand your options before shopping around.
The most common type of system is a central air conditioner, which is typically used in conjunction with a furnace or heat pump. It works by circulating cooled or heated air throughout your home using a system of ducts.
Other options include:
- Split-system air conditioners: These systems have an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, which are connected by refrigerant lines. The outdoor unit houses the compressor, while the indoor unit contains the evaporator coil.
- Ductless mini-split systems: These systems also have outdoor and indoor units, but they don’t use ducts to circulate air. Instead, they use small refrigerant lines to connect the two units.
- Geothermal heat pumps: These systems use the earth’s natural heat to heat and cool your home. They’re typically more expensive to install than other types of HVAC systems, but they’re also very efficient.
- Solar-powered air conditioners: These systems use solar panels to power the compressor and circulate cooled air through your home.
2. Consider Efficiency Ratings
When looking at different HVAC systems, pay close attention to their efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system will be. In general, you want to look for a system with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% or higher for furnaces and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 14 or higher for air conditioners.
Keep in mind that more efficient systems usually come with a higher price tag upfront, but they can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills. If you want to replace your furnace and air conditioner, look for a system with an AFUE rating of 80% or higher and a SEER rating of 14 or higher.
3. Size Matters
Another important consideration is size. If your HVAC system is too small, it won’t be able to heat or cool your home effectively. On the other hand, if it’s too big, it will cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy and shortening its lifespan. To determine the right size for your needs, ask a professional to do a load calculation for your home.
This will consider factors like the size of your home, insulation levels, the number of doors and windows, and more. Once you have this information, you’ll be able to choose an appropriately sized HVAC system for your home.
4. Choose an Efficient System
As we mentioned before, efficiency is important when choosing an HVAC system. Not only do you want to look for high AFUE and SEER ratings, but you also want to ensure that the system has earned the ENERGY STAR label from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To earn this label, products must meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
So if you see an HVAC system with an ENERGY STAR® label, you can be confident that it’s an efficient option. Using other ENERGY STAR® appliances, such as a water heater, fridge, and washer and dryer will reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
5. Consider More Efficiency Features
- A variable-speed blower: This feature helps to circulate air more evenly and efficiently throughout your home.
- A two-stage compressor: This type of compressor runs at lower speeds most of the time and uses less energy than a single-stage compressor. It also helps to reduce humidity levels in your home.
- An ECM motor: An ECM, or electronically commutated motor, is an energy-efficient motor often used in HVAC systems.
- A programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat gives you more control over your home’s temperature, so you can set it to a comfortable level when you’re home and reduce energy usage when you’re away.
Consult an HVAC Professional
Be sure to consult with a professional who can help guide you through the process of choosing an HVAC unit that will meet your needs and save you money in the long run.