How to Identify The Right Energy-Efficient HVAC System For Your Needs?

HVAC systems are a must for any upscale home. However, you need to make sure that you install the right energy-efficient HVAC system that helps you save on utility bills and boosts the comfort level of your home which even people in the Bay Area want to do even if even they don’t face any extreme weather in the winter or summer.

This quick guide will cover all the factors you need to consider while choosing an energy-efficient HVAC system for your needs.

Load Calculations

Size is one of the primary factors you need to consider. You need to accurately identify load calculations based on your individual consumption and needs. Installing an oversized system will only result in increasing your maintenance costs and energy bills.

It is preferable to get a room-by-room cooling load calculation since unique room features, such as east-facing or the number of windows can significantly affect cooling. It is important to understand that humidity or air moisture and air temperature are two main considerations while determining load calculations.

Seasonal HVAC Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)

Considering SEER ratings can be helpful since it computes energy efficiency of a cooling system based on seasonal averages rather than unique conditions. A minimum SEER of 13 is required by the US Department of Energy. However, this is area and state specific. You can reduce your energy consumption by 30% by upgrading from a SEER 10 to a 13. Latest top models of HVAC systems have a rating ranging from 20 to 28.HVAC energy efficiency for heating is computed on the basis of Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). This refers to the amount of fossil fuel consumed by the heating equipment that actually gets converted into heat for your home. The latest energy efficient HVAC systems have an AFUE rating that can reach as high as 98%. This means that 98% of the fossil fuel burned by the heating system gets converted to actual heat.

It is estimated that homeowners can save up to $1,035 on heat annually by upgrading to a variable speed furnace that has an AFUE rating of 95% from a single speed furnace that has an AFUE rating of 70%.

VRF Systems Can Add to Overall Comfort

VRF systems are capable of providing cooling and heating solutions to different locations in the same building simultaneously. This system is energy efficient and can add to the overall comfort of your home. It involves multiple indoor units, also called small air handlers, instead of one large noisy central unit.

These handlers come with individual controls for easier manipulation. Variable speed compressors in a VRF system tend to run at minimum capacity required for current conditions, which allows the system to be energy efficient. You may require cooler conditions while working out on your at-home gym, but your sleeping baby in the nursery would still need a toasty environment to sleep snugly.

Smart Thermostats Are Vital

It goes without saying that upgrading to energy efficient HVAC system is going to save you tons of money by cutting down your utility bills. However, you can further lower the energy bills by installing a smart thermostat instead of an energy-guzzling traditional model. Smart thermostats have wireless or remote connectivity and allow you to adjust temperatures even when you are not in your house.

Not a bad deal! But no, they cannot make you a ham and cheese sandwich!