Increased Energy Efficiency Is the Path to Reducing Your Expenses
Every winter, homeowners like you get a little surprise: increased energy bills.
If you’re like most folks living in the Wichita area, then you’ve probably noticed your bills spike in the last couple months as temperatures dropped.
So, is there anything you can do about it? Or will you have to grin and bear it until warm weather returns?
When it comes to cutting down on energy costs, upgrading your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system makes a world of difference. By investing in energy-efficient technologies and systems, you can enjoy a more comfortable home while saving money in the long run: a true win-win situation.
Upgrade to a Furnace or Boiler With a High AFUE Rating
Your central furnace or boiler is one of the most energy-intensive components in your home, especially during the winter. Upgrading to a heating unit with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating can help reduce your energy bills.
- What to look for: ENERGY STAR®-certified boilers and furnaces should meet the required heating equipment efficiency metrics, as designated by AFUE ratings. Look for oil boilers with an AFUE rating of 87% or greater and gas boilers with an AFUE rating of 90% or greater. Oil furnaces must have an AFUE rating of 85% or greater. Let these metrics be your guide when selecting heating systems.
- Benefits: After one of Fahnestock’s HVAC technicians completes your installation, you can begin experiencing consistent indoor temperatures at a lower cost. Those savings accumulate over time, so the HVAC installation pays for itself.
Look For Cooling Systems With a High SEER Rating
During the dog days of summer, your air conditioning unit is your HVAC’s most critical component. Air conditioning units with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER2) rating use less energy to cool your home, helping you save on long-term cooling costs.
- What to look for: In our area, your air conditioning units should have a SEER2 rating of 13.4 or greater. Heat pumps should have a SEER2 rating of 14.3 or higher. You can opt for a cooling system with a higher SEER2 rating to reduce your energy expenses even further, however, these systems have a higher upfront cost.
- Benefits: An energy-efficient central air conditioner could lower electricity bills during the summer, operate more quietly, and leave behind a smaller carbon footprint.
Shop Heat Pumps With High HSPF2 Ratings
Heat pumps are an excellent option for year-round efficiency because they heat and cool your home. Units with a high heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2) rating offer superior energy efficiency.
- What to Look For: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, all single-packaged heat pumps must have a HSPF2 rating of 6.7 or higher. As experienced HVAC technicians, we recommend choosing a unit with an 8 to 11 efficiency rating.
- Benefits: After our HVAC contractors install your new heat pump, expect improved performance and lower heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to precisely control your HVAC system, ensuring it only operates when needed.
- Features: Smart thermostats learn your preferences over time and self-adjust for optimized comfort and efficiency.
- Benefits: According to ENERGY STAR®, a smart thermostat will save you approximately 8% per year on heating and cooling costs. Remote access to your heating and cooling settings is convenient and easy to use.
Consider HVAC Zoning Systems
An HVAC zoning system divides your home into separate areas, allowing you to independently control the temperature of each.
- How it works: By using multiple thermostats and dampers within your HVAC ductwork, zoning systems heat or cool the specific areas you tell it to. For example, when you’re ready for bed at night, you can set the system to the perfect sleeping temperature without affecting the rest of your house.
- Benefits: HVAC zoning systems eliminate energy waste in unoccupied rooms, improve comfort for different areas of your home, and significantly reduce overall energy consumption.
Achieve Peak Energy-Efficiency With Geothermal HVAC Systems
Geothermal HVAC systems use the stable temperature of the earth to efficiently heat and cool your home. Although the upfront cost of geothermal HVAC installation is more than other kinds of systems, the long-term energy savings are substantial.
- How it works: During the summer, the ground is much cooler than the air, meaning less energy is required when using the earth’s natural temperature to cool your home. During the winter, HVAC geothermal systems use a small amount of electricity to transfer stored ground heat into your home.
- Benefits: When factoring in ongoing energy savings, geothermal HVAC systems typically pay for themselves in the first six to eight years of ownership. Geothermal systems can also qualify for a 30% federal tax credit. Fahnestock HVAC can help you understand requirements for the credit.
Start Saving On Energy Expenses By Scheduling HVAC Installation
Investing in energy-efficient HVAC upgrades lowers your utility bills while improving your home’s comfort. Whether you opt for a high-efficiency furnace, a cooling system with a high SEER2 rating, or a geothermal system, these choices pay off over time.
Take the first step toward reduced energy bills by contacting Fahnestock for a quote on HVAC installation. Our highly trained, local technicians are happy to walk you through the upgrade process and what to expect when you convert to energy-efficient heating and cooling. Call Fahnestock today at (316) 943-4328!
