Various factors drive operating costs for your heating and cooling system. The local climate, your area’s electric (or gas) rates, even how often doors and windows are opened and shut affect the costs to run your heating & cooling system. Know the factors, so you can save money on electric bills and maintenance.

Of course, there are some factors you cannot control, like climate. For example, a central air conditioner will run a lot harder and get more use in Florida, than in the Northeast. But you can lower operating costs by better insulating your home, and by keeping windows and doors to the outside shut as much as possible. Also, look at household additions, such as ceiling fans that can better distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home.

The Energy Guide label is important when shopping for an energy-efficient product. The U.S. government requires manufacturer’s to affix the label to a variety of products to provide a way for consumers to compare the energy use of similar appliances.

The label helps you understand and compare the estimated yearly operating cost based on the unit’s electricity usage and the national average cost of energy. Estimated yearly electricity use tells consumers how much electricity the appliances use in a year based on typical use. Multiply this by the electricity rate on your utility bill, and you can determine your estimated operating costs.

The Energy Guide label makes it easier to find energy efficient appliances, which cost less to run, and help lower your utility bills. Of course, using less energy is good for the environment as it can reduce air pollution and help conserve natural resources

Controlling the humidity levels in your home greatly influences the comfort you will experience as well as save you energy and reduce maintenance. Your home will feel most comfortable at humidity levels between 30 – 50%. We need humidity for our comfort and health but too little can produce difficulties for homeowners.

When the temperature outside falls, your furnace runs more. In extreme cold conditions, your home humidity level can drop as low as 10 percent. By comparison, the Sahara Desert has an average relative humidity of 25 percent. When you consider that people generally are most comfortable when the relative humidity is approximately 40 percent, you can see how dry indoor air can take a toll on your family.

Low humidity causes static electricity, dry skin, lips and hair, scratchy throats and noses, and itching and chapping. Mucous membranes in nose and throat dry out, increasing your discomfort and susceptibility to colds and respiratory illness. With low humidity levels, body moisture evaporates so quickly that you feel chilled even at higher thermostat settings.

Your home suffers, too. Low humidity can cause havoc with woodwork and furniture. You’ll notice shrinkage, hardwood floor separation and warping, your piano will go out of tune, wallpaper peels at the edges, drawers loosen and molding gaps start to appear.

A humidifier built into your heating and cooling system is the best long-term solution. The water supply is constant and it can be controlled by a humidistat mounted on your wall, properly regulating the humidity in your home. With the right amount of humidity, you’ll find that you can be comfortable at a lower thermostat setting. That will increase your comfort as well as save you money on your energy bills.

Some other solutions are:

  • Individual humidifier units for rooms or areas in your home
  • Boiling or cooking with the lids off the pans
  • Moisture from the shower or bathroom

Of course, you can! Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services encourages you to perform these simple procedures before calling us.

  1. Check disconnected switches (indoors and outdoors if you have a split system). Make sure that circuit breakers are on or that fuses have not blown.
  2. Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open and unobstructed.
  3. Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, ensure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. If you want heat, ensure the temperature control selector is set above room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is at HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should be set at ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you want the blower to function only while the home heating system or central air conditioning unit is operating.
  4. In addition to the routine maintenance you perform, your home comfort system should be inspected at least once a year by a properly trained service technician.

A Small Solutions, LLC Heating & Air Conditioning Services specialist will ensure your heating and air conditioning system operates safely and gives you the best performance at the lowest cost. You may also want to ask us about our maintenance program which covers regular maintenance.

There are some things you can troubleshoot before you call in the experts. First, check your electrical box. See if the breaker for your heating & cooling (HVAC) system has been tripped or a fuse blown.

Next, check your thermostat. Make sure it is set on “Cool” with the fan switch set to “Auto” or “On”. Also, check your thermostat by setting the temperature 10 degrees below room temperature to make sure your system turns on. Last, be sure that the air filter has been changed prior to turning on the air conditioner and that all air vents are open and clear from obstruction.

If none of these steps are able to fix your problem, you should give Small Solutions, LLC Heating & Air Conditioning Services a call to assess and fix the problem.

Air conditioners work by moving warm air over the cooling coil (also known as the evaporator coil). This process removes moisture from the air, which accumulates in the collector pan. This process is also key to maintaining a comfortable environment for your home during the summer months.

If the air moves too slowly over the evaporator coils or if the refrigerant in your system is low you run the risk of the coil developing frost and icing over. A frozen unit will not be able to cool your home properly.

A frozen unit can be the result of low refrigerant or a dirty filter or coils. You can help avoid these problems by scheduling annual maintenance and changing or cleaning your air filter on a regular basis. During a maintenance check-up your technician will clean dirty coils and a clean air filter ensures proper airflow through your system. If your refrigerant is low, this could be an indication that you have a leak. Contact Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services to have your system checked for proper refrigerant levels and/or leaks.

How do you go about getting a new heating and cooling system? If you’ve never done this before, certainly you may now know exactly where to start when researching, buying and getting new HVAC equipment installed. This can help.

  1. Start with researching contractors in your area (including us!). How many HVAC contractors are there in your area? Search Google and Google Reviews, professional directories, ask local friends for recommendations and compare several contractors for their credentials and reputation.
  2. Get estimates. Pick a few companies and reach out to them to schedule a consult and/or visit to your home to evaluate your needs and home situation.  We generally recommend obtaining 3 estimates from different companies before making a major purchase, like a heating or cooling system. Going with the lowest price isn’t necessarily the right choice for every homeowner – it can be more expensive in the long run if there’s a mistake or misunderstanding. Make sure you know what you are getting for the price, like equipment and labor warranties, that could save money when or if repairs are needed.
  3. Schedule. Once you’ve decided on an HVAC contractor for the installation, it’s time to schedule it. Contact your chosen HVAC company to arrange a date. Remember that, depending on the season, your contractor may not be immediately available – summer and winter are usually busy times in the HVAC world.

First of all, capacity is the ability of a heating or cooling system to heat or cool a given amount of space. For heating, this is usually expressed in BTUs. For cooling, it is usually given in tons. Heating and cooling systems are sized according to their tonnage. One (1) ton equals 12,000 BTU/H. Residential systems can range from 1 to 5 tons.

Sizing HVAC equipment is very important in determining your ultimate levels of comfort, cost and energy use. Never oversize! Oversized equipment increases the capital cost at the time of the installation and the costs of operating the equipment. Oversized equipment will not run as frequently or as long when it does run (known as “short cycling”), which accelerates the wear and tear on your equipment. It will also not be as energy efficient as a properly matched capacity unit. On the other hand, equipment that is undersized will have to work longer and harder to meet your comfort demands during temperature extremes. This results in lower energy efficiencies, less comfort, and the potential for premature equipment failure. In either case, both result in poor humidity control. Make sure to have a Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services technician perform a home “load calculation” to determine the correct size heating and cooling system for your home.

If you have rooms in your home that are too hot or too cold, contact a Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services to have your home system evaluated. Below are some good questions to ask the technician.

  1. Is my home’s insulation adequate?
  2. Are the air ducts well sealed?
  3. Is air distribution adequate for my home?
  4. Do I have areas of high humidity or moisture buildup in my home?
  5. Is my heating and cooling system operating as it should?

There are a variety of variables that can cause certain rooms to overheat and other to get too cold. It is important to contact a trained professional in these situations who can not only evaluate your problem but also offer solutions and make any necessary repairs.

In general, you should replace your disposable filters at least once a month. We recommend that you visually check filters and filtering equipment monthly. If filters look dirty, they need to be cleaned or replaced. If you have washable filters, they can be rinsed off. Replacing your filters on a regular basis ensures optimum efficiency and filtration for your system.

Make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient by improving ventilation. Here are few “around the house” tips to boost ventilation:

  • Vent moisture to the outside from the bathroom and laundry room. The bathroom produces more moisture than any other room in your house.
  • If you cannot vent the bathroom to the outside, install a vent through the attic and down through a soffit vent. But do not vent directly into the attic, which can lead to ice buildup in the winter and mold during warmer months.
  • Vent the clothes dryer to the outside with a short metal duct. Clean the duct regularly to prevent house fires. Do not vent the dryer directly into the laundry room.
  • Install a vent hood with an exhaust van over your kitchen stove.
    Improve ventilation and airflow in your home with ceiling fans. If you run the ceiling fan in reverse, it will better distribute warm air in the winter.
  • Do not block vents for heating and cooling systems, which can run up energy costs and damage equipment.

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending upon the type of filter you have, you may require monthly or less frequent (3-6 month) media filter changes. If you are unsure of what type of filter your system uses, contact Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services.

The most important part of HVAC maintenance is preserving unrestricted airflows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year; ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problem that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

No. Every system is designed to cool a certain number of square feet. By closing registers and doors in certain rooms, you disrupt and decrease the system’s airflow and efficiency. You system will have to work harder to cool less space, making it cycle more and become less efficient.

Most of the time, the best thermostat setting is that temperature at which you feel most comfortable. However, when extremely high summertime temperatures set in, the best temperature setting is going to be 15 to 16 degrees below the outside temperature. Remember, your air conditioner can only produce so much cooling, no matter how low you set the thermostat. No matter what temperature you choose, once you have found a ‘comfort zone’ leave that thermostat set in one place – turning it up and down constantly only costs you more energy!

An Air Handler is the indoor unit of a central air conditioning or heat pump system that is responsible for the movement of the heated or cooled air throughout your home. An air handler in combination with a heat pump performs the task of circulating both hot and cold air through the desired area. Clean and safe air handlers in your home ensure that you and your family can have fresh and comfortable air all the year round.

Most maintenance should be performed only by a qualified service technician, however, there are a few things you can do to ensure optimal performance. Keep ground mounted outdoor units clear of debris, clutter and weeds; this can reduce the airflow of the unit. Use caution with weed trimmers around the unit to prevent damaging control wiring. Lastly, keep pets away from the unit; pet urine can cause expensive damage.

While not always, you may notice an abnormal noise coming from the system, your heating or cooling system running non-stop, or warm air/cool air coming from the vents during the opposite season. Abnormally high utility bills are also a common indicator.

Temperature differences of up to three degrees from room to room are not uncommon, but often one or several rooms are uncomfortably warm or cold. This condition could be caused by a number of factors within your home including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct system design, duct leakage, unwanted heating by the sun in warmer months, or a failure in part of your heating and cooling system.

Recommendations:

  • Hire an energy specialist, like Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services to do an in-home evaluation or energy audits to find any trouble spots.
  • Have a Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services technician check to see if your heating and cooling system is operating correctly.
  • Have a Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services technician check your ducts for air leakage and proper distribution of air.
  • Seal any leaks in your home (around windows, doors, outlets) and add insulation.
  • If the sun is making rooms too hot, consider using shades or solar screening.
  • Hire an electrician to install ceiling fans to make room air circulation more uniform.

The answer is most likely yes, and here are the reasons why.

First of all, all air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are specifically designed to work with matched indoor units for optimum efficiency and performance. The result of this matched system is a coordinated, top-performance team that ensures dependability and efficiency. Air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units may “work” with indoor units other than those for which they have been specifically designed; however, the result is a definite compromise in system performance.

In addition, through the years, indoor blower coil units have undergone numerous design advances — especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.

The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as matched systems. While changing only the outdoor unit may result in improved efficiency compared to the old system, it will not be as efficient as it was designed to be and your savings will be lower than with a matched system.

If an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit is 10 years old and needs to be replaced, the indoor unit is just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear.Replacing both units means you won’t have to replace the indoor unit in a short time…you’ll have years of service from both units.

Last, but not least, a new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit results in peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers your entire system.

At first glance, replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain. But when you consider the lower cooling and heating efficiencies, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership that results, it’s not such a bargain. Replacing an entire system costs more, but you get more efficiency, reliability and comfort.

The duct system in your home is the vehicle through which heated and cooled air is distributed throughout your home. If your ducts are dirty, dusty or contaminated with molds or fungi then the air you breath will also contain these substances as well. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned can contribute to better health, a cleaner home environment and even better efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Contaminants in your Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can aggravate asthma and allergies. Duct cleaning can help eliminate bacteria and fungus to improve the air quality in your home. Cleaning your air ducts can protect everyone in your home from breathing contaminated air.

Less dust and dirt means a cleaner environment. Cleaning your air duct system can help maintain a cleaner home, requiring less dusting.

Cleaning your air duct system helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, resulting in less run time and lower heating and cooling bills. Cleaning your air duct system can also extend equipment life.

Even if you live in a new home it may not be as clean as you think. During construction, your air duct system is open allowing wood shavings, drywall dust, dirt, trash, and carpet fibers to settle or be swept into your system. Cleaning your air duct system is the only way to thoroughly remove these contaminates.

  • The average 6-room house collects 40 pounds of dust a year (Discover Magazine)
  • Air ducts have more germs than a chicken coop (American Lung Association)
  • EPA claims indoor air has been found to be up to 70% more polluted than outdoor air (EPA)
  • Children are more likely than adults to be affected by polluted indoor air (Dept. of Consumer Affairs)
  • A build up of 0.42 inches of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can result in a decrease in efficiency of 21% (EPA)
  • 9 out of 10 heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems failures are caused by dust and dirt (Louisiana Coop Extension Service [LCES])
  • The LCES also reports that clean systems restore capacity and lessen running times. This means saving on your monthly electric bill.

This depends greatly upon how well it is maintained but in general the average life is 15 years. But I can’t stress enough that the better maintained your furnace is, by having seasonal check-ups performed every fall, the longer you can expect it to last.

My rule of thumb is when your system is around 10 years old and repair costs are getting high you should start looking into replacement. Another major tell is if your heat exchanger, the area that harnesses your fire in the furnace, shows rust and deterioration. In this instance you should definitely consider replacement. Heat exchangers that crack will leak carbon monoxide, a by-product of gas being burned off. This colorless, odorless gas will enter your home and is deadly to you and your family.

You should have your heating system serviced once a year for a seasonal check-up in the fall. A heating system that is not maintained is a problem waiting to happen. At the very least, you will have escalating operating costs due to the inefficient running of your system and the eventual need for repairs. In the worst case, improperly maintained equipment powered by natural gas can compromise your safety by causing high levels of CO, resulting in serious injury or even death.

There are some maintenance tasks that homeowners can do themselves, such as cleaning and replacing filters. However, in order to insure safe and efficient operation of a heating system, homeowners should have their furnace inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified service technician. The benefit to homeowners, your health and safety, your money and your time, far out way any costs incurred with a yearly inspection.

Nothing is wrong with your unit. What appears to be smoke is steam from the outdoor coil after it completes a defrost cycle. After extended run times the outdoor unit will start to build frost or ice on the coil. The system is designed to go in a defrost mode when needed to clear the ice away and keep the efficiency level up.

UV is the abbreviation for ultraviolet. Located in the return air ductwork and by the indoor cooling coil, the ultraviolet air treatment system continuously emits high – intensity ultraviolet (UV) energy. The energy eliminates (kills) a very high percentage of airborne bacteria and germs passing over the UV light field inside the ductwork. The UV light mounted next to the indoor cooling coil will help eliminate the growth of mold, mildew and other contaminates from the drain pan and coil surface. At Small Solutions, we recommend installing non-ozone-producing UV products.

Heat rises, thus the reason it’s hotter in the summer. Assuming the system was sized and installed correctly, you should consider installing a zone system if possible. Sometimes the addition of return air ductwork will help improve air movement and help make upper levels more comfortable.

With the proper maintenance and care, your HVAC system will operate economically and dependably. Though the professionals at Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services are there to help with your heating and air conditioning unit, there are a few simple, routine maintenance operations you can do to help ensure the best performance and comfort from your heating and air conditioning system.

Safety First
Before you perform any kind of maintenance, consider these important safety precautions:

  • Disconnect all electrical power to the unit before removing access panels to perform maintenance. Please note that there may be more than one power connection switch.
  • Although HVAC system manufacturers take special care to prevent sharp edges in the construction of heating and air conditioning equipment and indoor air quality systems, it’s best to be very careful when you handle parts or reach into units.

Do-It-Yourself Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance

Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil every three to four weeks. A dirty filter will cause excessive strain on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s completely dry before you re-install it.) The pre-filter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year for optimal indoor air quality.

Clean dust off of your indoor coil. With a vacuum cleaner and soft-brush attachment, you can remove any dust from the top and underside of the coil. Make sure you only do this when the coil is dry. If you can’t get the coil clean this way, call us for service.

Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care to operate properly. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris, to help the unit drain correctly.

If the outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact us.

Make sure your outdoor unit stays in a level position. If the support for your split-system outdoor unit shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it promptly to make sure moisture drains properly out of the unit. If you notice that water or ice collects beneath the unit, arrange for it to be drained away from the equipment.

Inspect your furnace’s combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call us and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.

Have oil-fired boilers inspected annually. Contact us before each heating season to replace your oil filter cartridge and conduct a thorough inspection of the unit’s operation. This will make your home heating system work at peak efficiency.

Clean your humidifier at the beginning of every heating season. Review your owner’s manual for the proper procedure to clean the external and internal components of your whole house humidifier. The evaporator pad should also be replaced before each heating season. If the water in your area is hard or has high mineral content, you may need to clean or service your humidifier more frequently.

Clean the core and air filters on a ventilator at least every three months. You can vacuum the core of an energy recovery ventilator as long as it is dry and the outdoor temperature is between 60 F (16 C) and 75 F (24 C). Heat recovery ventilator cores can be soaked for three hours in a solution of warm water and mild soap and then rinsed. Ventilator air filters are washable: just use a vacuum to remove the heaviest accumulation of dust and then wash them in lukewarm water. Replace them after they are completely dry.

To determine which home heating and air conditioning system is best for you, take into consideration factors such as: your budget, your comfort expectations, physical factors (such as your current system) and other unique features of your home. Because your geographical region is also an integral factor in choosing a home heating system or home central air conditioning unit, that should be taken into consideration as well.

For the basics of heating or cooling temperature control, you have four system options. Below is a list of those options followed by the approximate percentage of U.S. homes using that particular system:

  • Gas Furnace/air conditioner (60% of homes)
  • Gas Heat Pump (25% of homes)
  • Gas Small Packaged System (5% of homes)
  • Gas Boiler

There are other accessories you may want to consider to determine what system works best for you. Air cleaners, ventilators or a whole house humidifier may be useful.

System control is another factor when choosing a home heating system or central air conditioning. This involves being able to maintain a comfortable temperature, manually or automatically, to keep the home consistently comfortable with changing physical or environmental fluctuations.

To choose a heating and air conditioning system, you also must assess your current system. The three most likely energy sources for your comfort system are electricity, gas or oil. Here are some options based on your energy source.

Electricity
If you have no gas or oil service, you will need to go with an all-electric system, which means a heat pump or air conditioner. You may be able to have a gas line installed at your home, but that could be an additional cost. In some areas, electrical rates are so low that an all-electric system can still be the best option even if gas or oil are available.

Gas
If natural gas is available, furnaces and boilers become options for you. You may still opt to have an all-electric system if that suits your home or your personal preference.

Oil
If oil is available, furnaces and boilers are also options for you. However, you can switch over to an all-electric system to better fit your needs.

Everybody’s home is different. Some are big, some are small. Older homes are not as tightly sealed as new ones, which means efficiency is reduced. The number and size of windows, what direction the home is facing, number of mature trees in the yard and many more factors can affect your comfort, and may play a part in deciding what type of system is best for you. A Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services specialist has the expertise to assess any unusual circumstances surrounding the specific needs of your home.

Will the lowest priced heating and air conditioning system end up costing you money in the long run with high operating costs or by needing to be replaced sooner? Will the lowest priced system provide the comfort you expect? Before you make your final decision, you should consider operating costs and efficiency ratings.

Comparing energy efficiency of different brands of home heating systems and central air conditioners is relatively easy. There are three standardized rating systems used. Each rating is used for a specific type of product (in other words, all furnaces use the same system, heat pumps use a different system, and so on).

AFUE (Gas Heating)
The efficiency of a furnace is measured in a rating known as AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). A lot like your car’s miles-per-gallon rating, AFUE tells you how efficiently the furnace converts fuel (gas or oil) into heat. An AFUE of 80% means that 80% of the fuel is used to heat your home, while the other 20% basically goes up the chimney.

The government mandated a minimum AFUE rating for furnaces installed in new homes is 78%. (In contrast, many furnaces manufactured before 1992 had AFUE ratings as low as 60% — so nearly half the fuel was being wasted.) Furnaces with AFUE ratings of 78% to 80% are considered “mid-efficiency”; those with ratings of 90% or higher are known as “high efficiency.” The maximum furnace efficiency available is around 96.6%.

In general, a higher efficiency furnace usually means you pay a higher price for the system but endure a lower monthly operating cost. If you have an older furnace (with an AFUE of about 60%), you could save up to 60% on your heating bills by replacing it with a new high-efficiency furnace. So the cost to replace your old, inefficient furnace is paid back through lower utility bills.

Furnace Replacement Payback
If you live in a cold climate, you could see a payback in a few short years. If you live in a moderate climate, it might make more sense to purchase a mid-efficiency furnace. A Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services representative can use heating system data from your area to help you determine about how long it would take you to recover the additional cost of a high-efficiency model in energy savings. After the payback, you continue to save on your energy bills for the life of the system.

SEER (Cooling)
Cooling efficiency for air conditioning systems and heat pumps is indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating which tells you how efficiently a unit uses electricity. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. The typical SEER rating of units manufactured prior to 1992 is about 6.0. Now, the government mandated minimum is 10.0 SEER. High-efficiency units have a SEER of at least 12.0; the maximum available is about 17.

HSPF (Heat Pump Heating)
Heat pumps also have heating efficiency ratings, indicated as an HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). In general, the higher the HSPF rating, the less electricity the unit will use to heat your home. The government mandated minimum heating efficiency standards for new heat pumps is 6.8 HSPF. Most heat pumps manufactured before 1992 have HSPF ratings below 5.0. Today, an HSPF of 7.5 or higher is considered high-efficiency; the maximum available is 10.0.

Payback
Higher efficiency in heat pumps and air conditioners usually means higher cost but lower utility bills. If you live in a warm and/or humid climate, you will probably see the higher cost of a high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump paid back (through lower utility bills) in a few short years. Ask a Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services representative to help you determine about how long it would take you to recover the additional cost in energy savings. Of course, after the payback, you continue to save on your energy bills.

Matching Your Heating and Air Conditioning System for Optimum Efficiency
There’s one other factor that affects the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system: the indoor coil. (Your heat pump or air conditioner is a “split system” which means that there is an outdoor unit or condenser and an indoor unit or evaporator coil.) If your condensing unit is not matched with the proper indoor coil, it may not give you the stated SEER and/or HSPF ratings and could even develop performance problems. When you’re replacing an existing home heating and air conditioning system, make sure you replace both units so your new condensing unit will give you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.

Want to learn more about energy ratings and environmental impacts of your home heating and air conditioning system? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program offers information about the environmental standards in place in the heating and air conditioning industry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency promotes residential energy efficiency because household energy use contributes to air pollution, including:

  • 20 percent of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions
  • 26 of all U.S. sulfur dioxide emissions
  • 15 of all U.S. nitrogen oxides emissions

By using more energy-efficient appliances, home heating systems and air conditioning equipment, and constructing more energy-efficient homes, we can reduce this pollution and 151; and save money at the same time!

Furnaces
Why is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency promoting energy-efficient furnaces? Furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in the United States. Approximately 38 million gas furnaces are currently operating in U.S. homes and approximately 2.5 million of these furnaces are replaced annually. A 15-year-old furnace may be only 66% efficient and cost up to $730 per year to operate A new high-efficiency furnace can be 90% efficient or greater and cost as little as $525 to operate annually. Choosing to purchase a furnace in the 90-96% efficiency range can reduce pollution and save homeowners hundreds of dollars over the equipment’s lifetime.

Over 10 years an Energy Star furnace could save:

  • $1,700 relative to an old furnace*
  • $920 relative to a new standard furnace*

*Savings based on $732 average annual heating bill from a 1993 American Gas Association survey for the Middle Atlantic region. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates for old furnace AFUE = 66%; standard furnace = 78%; and Energy Star = 92%. Actual savings for individual homeowners will vary based on geographical area of the country, local gas rates and the age and size of the home.

For more information about Energy Star furnaces, please contact:

Peter Banwell, Manager
Energy Star Furnaces
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (6202J)
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460

Phone: (202) 233-9408
Fax: (202) 233-9578.

Utilities all over North America are promoting high-efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners because they help reduce peak demand and provide higher customer satisfaction. Energy Star heat pumps and home central air conditioning systems also produce a variety of other benefits:

  • Energy bills are dramatically reduced
  • All units come with a manufacturer’s warranty
  • Pollution is reduced through the use of high-efficiency products.
  • Make sure the unit is properly sized and installed to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency.
  • Contractors should be well trained in the proper installation of air-source heat pumps and central air conditioners.
  • The duct work should be installed properly, since an improperly installed system can dramatically reduce efficiency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star heat pumps and air conditioners can save you money by reducing electricity bills. Look for the Energy StarSM logo when purchasing a home heating system or central air conditioner to be sure of lowering your energy bill.

This information courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It is best to evaluate what makes your home comfortable to determine what heating and air conditioning system is best for your home. Heating and cooling are the foundation for your system but you have a lot of flexibility to maintain comfortable temperature, air cleanliness and humidity levels.

For many people temperature is a big factor. Because the temperature outside changes, the temperature inside your home can fluctuate as well. Another factor in home comfort is cleanliness. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to dusty or odorous homes. The air in today’s tightly sealed, well-insulated homes can become stale. With dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, skin flakes, chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, radon gas or other things in your air, it can lead inhabitants and visitors to be uncomfortable. You may benefit from air duct cleaning. Humidity can be useful in cooler weather when the air is dry but uncomfortable in hotter weather when the outside air is humid. You may or may not desire a whole house humidifier.

System control is what makes your home comfortable because you can adjust the heating or air conditioning to your liking. This offers complete control, allowing you to set a “comfort schedule,” which combines temperature and humidity control. It also can divide a home into zones that can be controlled separately.

Matching Your heating and air conditioning system for Optimum Efficiency. There’s one other factor that affects the efficiency of your air conditioning or heat pump system: the indoor coil. (Your heat pump or air conditioner is a “split system,” which means that there is an outdoor unit or condenser and an indoor unit or evaporator coil.) If your condensing unit is not matched with the proper indoor coil, it may not give you the stated SEER and/or HSPF ratings and could even develop performance problems. When you’re replacing an existing home heating and air conditioning system, make sure you replace both units so your new condensing unit will give you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.

Indoor air quality is a growing concern in our society today. Americans on average spend 70% of their time indoors and according to the American Lung Association the quality of our indoor air can be up to FIVE TIMES worse than the outside air. That’s a pretty scary statistic!

The HVAC industry has been dealing with this issue for years and has a variety of products that will help you improve the quality of air you breathe in your home.

  • Air Cleaners
    Air cleaners can improve your health by keeping your entire house cleaner, protect your furnishings and save you time and the aggravation of continuous dusting and cleaning. A whole-house cleaner can help provide relief from irritants – up to 40 times more efficiently than standard furnace filters.
  • Air Purifiers
    An air purifier whole-house air filtration system is the most effective air cleaning system available. It thoroughly cleans and filters out 99.98% of airborne allergens that pass through the system. It is up to 100 times more effective than a standard 1″ filter.
  • Filters
    By switching out your filters once a month you can cut down on the amount of dust and pollutants in your air. Filters remove dust and other particles from the air such as pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, pet dander, and plant and mold spores. They also help to increase the energy efficiency and prolong the life of your heating and cooling system.
  • Duct cleaning
    A whole-house duct cleaning dislodges dirt and debris in the airflow systems followed by a thorough cleaning. This cleaning will kill germs and bacteria, remove dust in your home, improve the efficiency of your system, make your home smell clean and fresh and is also recommended by doctors and allergists.
  • UV Germicidal Lamps
    With an Ultraviolet (UV) Germicidal Lamp you will not just remove airborne contaminants, you will destroy them. Mold and bacteria can easily grow on air conditioning coils as a result of normal condensation that takes place during the cooling process. A UV Germicidal Lamp is designed to kill that mold and bacteria by breaking down its DNA. The elimination of mold and bacteria will reduce your family’s risk of allergic reactions and illnesses as well as get rid of foul odors.

Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat in some instances and is yet another reason to have your furnace and water heater inspected by Small Solutions, LLC Heating, and Air Conditioning Services. A carbon monoxide detector is a wise investment. Small Solutions, LLC HVAC offers a high-quality carbon monoxide detector that has a 5-year warranty.

Cleaning your ducts may be beneficial in improving your indoor air quality. A premium whole house duct cleaning will help decrease the spread of contaminates in your ductwork and home. New construction homes can benefit from having the ductwork cleaned to remove drywall dust, sawdust and other debris from the construction process.

Burning candles can be the culprit for the black on your walls and ceilings as well as polluting the air your family breathes. Keep wicks trimmed to no longer than 1/4th of an inch to help reduce soot from the candles.