Outdated, inefficient air conditioning units and furnaces can have a negative impact on the environment as well as your electricity bill. These pieces of equipment that do not work adequately, are typically ten to fifteen years old, and/or continually require repairs most often can and should be replaced and upgraded to a new, energy-efficient model. Energy-efficient air conditioners and furnaces contribute to less environmental consequences and can save you money on your electric bill.
The less energy you use at home, the less gas emissions you contribute to the environment. It is estimated that energy from an average house can contribute to twice as many gas emissions than an average car.
Central air conditioning units have an efficiency rating through a measurement called a SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Newer equipment has a higher efficiency rating and the higher the rating, the more money you save. The SEER can be compared to a car’s mileage per gallon. The higher the MPG for a car, the lower the fuel cost. For your air conditioner, savings depend on the age of your existing unit, its efficiency, and the condition of the unit when you upgrade to a new air conditioner with a higher SEER.
In most cases, a home’s air conditioning unit partially exists outdoors and connects to the furnace indoors. It uses the furnace’s blower motor to produce cool air. Therefore, if you are going to replace your A/C, you may want to upgrade your furnace at the same time. A new A/C installed with an old furnace will not perform to its rated standard of efficiency. High efficiency furnaces are rated by their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) which is represented as a percentage. These furnaces also have a high efficiency blower motor.
For both air conditioning units and furnaces, their efficiency also depends on upkeep. For a properly running system, you’ll want to maintain the equipment and related properties. This includes clean air filters, routine maintenance, proper refrigerant levels, and optimal air flow.
Even new equipment will not work as efficiently if it is not taken care of. A/C and furnace air filters require routine replacement to maintain equipment functionality and efficiency. Air filters collect airborne particles and help to provide your home with cleaner, safer air. When air filters are dirty, airflow is obstructed, lowering the quality of air that is produced and increasing the effort it takes for the unit to produce a desired temperature. Air filters should be changed as often as once a month or at least every three months depending on their own efficiency.
Additionally, maintenance by a professional technician can help to ensure the functionality and safety of your equipment. Tune-ups and safety checks can be done about twice a year before the start of the seasons when you will use these systems the most.
Proper refrigerant levels and adequate air flow also make a difference in efficiency. An incorrect level of refrigerant can decrease efficiency anywhere from five to twenty percent. Inadequate air flow- either too much or too little- can raise your electric bill as well as cause comfort problems in your home. These are all factors to consider when installing and running a new air conditioning unit and furnace.
Not to be overlooked, the device that runs both your air conditioner and furnace can have a significant impact on energy efficiency, as well. Your particular thermostat can make all the difference. Programmable thermostats can help save on energy and lower your bills, as opposed to a thermostat that runs on one consistent temperature all of the time. Programmable thermostats run based on set periods of time, such as during the day when you’re at work or at night when you’re asleep. A programmable thermostat can save you a considerable amount of money over a period of a year as well as helping to reduce the impact on the environment.
Rather than dealing with an inefficient air conditioning unit or furnace that continuously shuts down, needs repaired, and fails to make your home comfortable, a high efficiency unit can be a worthy investment that saves on energy and money and benefits you, your home, and the environment.
This post was provided by Gillece Services. Voted one of the best businesses in Pittsburgh by Trib Total Media, Gillece Services provides top quality service in Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, as well as Indoor Air Quality, Water Quality, and Waterproofing.
Please visit http://gilleceplumbing.com to see all of the services we offer.
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