Your HVAC system is by far one of the most essential appliances in your home. It works hard to keep you comfortable throughout the changing seasons. Unfortunately, it may be working harder than it needs to to maintain your desired temperature.
New, efficient HVAC systems are designed to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. Other factors work together with your HVAC energy savings to improve HVAC performance. At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we are dedicated to providing services that help you enhance your energy efficiency and comfort at home. In this blog post, we discuss HVAC efficiency and how you can upgrade your home to ensure your comfort for years to come.
Understanding HVAC Efficiency
Every homeowner should understand the ratings for efficient HVAC systems. These ratings directly impact the amount of energy your unit uses and contribute to your monthly energy costs.
Choosing an energy-efficient HVAC is ideal, though if your system isn’t yet at the end of its lifespan, you may not be ready to replace it yet. However, you can start looking into what these ratings mean.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is calculated on a scale of 0 to 100% to determine how much fuel is converted into heat. The higher the AFUE rating, the better the system will utilize energy while minimizing waste when heating your home.
A higher AFUE rating means lower heating costs. On the federal level, the minimum AFUE rating for new heating systems is 80%, though if you want to ensure your home is more energy-efficient in the winter, choose a mid-efficiency system rated at 90 to 93% or a high-efficiency system rated between 94 and 98%.
SEER
SEER ratings measure the energy consumption of air conditioning and heat pumps that provide cooling. SEER is different from AFUE in that these standards are set by regions rather than nationally. A region with a warmer climate, such as the Southeast United States, will have a higher standard compared to areas with a cooler climate. Recent introductions of the SEER2 standard have increased the minimum rating by 8 to 10%, which allows a more sustainable future for homeowners while saving them on energy costs.
Why Choose Efficient HVAC Systems?
Efficient HVAC systems are a smart choice for homeowners who need to upgrade their homes. They use less energy and result in lower energy bills, making them more cost-effective in the long term.
Additionally, these efficient HVAC systems provide better performance. They tend to last longer and need fewer repairs over time. They also don’t use outdated R-22 refrigerant, making them more eco-friendly. This leads to fewer emissions, reducing your carbon footprint and making your lifestyle more sustainable.
These new HVAC systems also provide better comfort. However, other areas of your home may need upgrades to improve HVAC performance.
What Causes Less Energy-Efficiency in Most Homes?
All homeowners should be concerned about energy loss and look for ways to maximize efficiency. In addition to your HVAC system, you should examine your insulation. This material prevents heat loss and the loss of cool, air-conditioned air in your home. When your insulation is lacking, this air can escape, which causes your system to work harder to keep up.
Leaks are another concern, and whether they come from your windows, doors, or even your ducts, you should take the proper steps to seal them. This may require replacing old windows and doors that allow drafts into your home.
Tips for Enhancing HVAC Efficiency
If you want to count on your HVAC system in the years ahead, you must do a few things to enhance its performance. These tips will help you make sure it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Make Sure You Maintain Your HVAC System
As a homeowner, there are some simple things you can do to keep your HVAC efficient and running well. You should change the air filters according to your system’s specific needs to prevent unnecessary breakdowns from restricted airflow. A professional should be called in once or twice a year to thoroughly inspect and maintain your system to stay ahead of any issues before they become major.
Upgrade Old Systems
The industry standard for an HVAC system’s lifespan is around 10 years. Older systems are not efficient HVAC systems, and when you continue to experience breakdowns and costly repairs, it’s an excellent time to invest in a new one. You’ll get HVAC energy savings from the start that will help reduce your costs.
Smart Thermostat Integration
Like all efficient HVAC systems, there are other ways you can ensure your system thrives. Installing smart thermostats can help you better control the temperature in your home, allowing you to access it even when you’re at work or somewhere else. This technology also uses sensors to adjust the settings in accordance with occupancy, ensuring it’s not wasting energy when no one is home.
Updating Windows and Insulation
One of the most important things you’ll want to do when upgrading your HVAC system is to inspect your windows and insulation throughout your home. At Pinnacle Home Improvements, we are a Raleigh window installation company that helps you replace the windows or siding giving you problems.
This commonly occurs with older windows and doors, leading to energy waste. If you want to improve HVAC performance, you should first have your windows replaced and add insulation where needed. This will prevent energy waste while keeping your home more comfortable.
Efficient HVAC systems are only part of the equation when building comfort and energy efficiency into your home. To get the best HVAC energy savings, consider your roofing, insulation, and windows as well. If you need to upgrade your home, contact Pinnacle Home Improvements.
