Choosing an Energy-Efficient Furnace or Air Conditioner
September 20, 2023
Are you looking for a new furnace or air conditioner for your home? Whether you are simply thinking about upgrading your current system or need to replace an HVAC system that is no longer working, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right heating or cooling system for your needs. Today, there are a variety of energy-efficient HVAC systems that can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills while maximizing comfort in your Columbus home. Learning more about how to select the right system for you will ensure you are pleased with your purchase for years to come.
Start With a Home Energy Audit
Before choosing a new HVAC system, it can be helpful to schedule a home energy audit for your home. A home energy audit is a professional assessment of your home’s energy usage. This assessment will examine factors such as your home’s insulation, weather-stripping, and ductwork, which all play a vital role in the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Your home energy audit will also alert you to issues with your home’s ability to maintain a consistent temperature. Making changes or upgrades to the areas of your home that are causing problems will further help increase the energy efficiency of any HVAC system you install.
Know Your Heating and Cooling Terminology
HVAC systems are rated using various scales that measure heating or cooling efficiency. Understanding the terms you will see with regard to a new furnace or air conditioner can help you make the most energy-efficient choice for your household. One very important rating you will hear is SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; this rating measures the energy performance of air conditioning systems. The higher the SEER rating, the better a given unit is at converting energy input into cooled air. Choosing an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 13.00 or higher can help you to enjoy the best energy savings. When selecting a furnace, look at the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which measures the efficiency of a gas furnace when converting fuel into heated air. AFUE is measured in percentage; a higher AFUE percentage means a furnace is more efficient at producing heat from energy input.
Explore Beneficial Features
In addition to the SEER or AFUE values of an HVAC system, it’s important to look for additional features that can further enhance energy efficiency. Two-stage cooling systems utilize a compressor that can run at both low and high speeds. This type of system can save you money by providing as much or as little cooling as your home needs, rather than only operating at a single speed regardless of your cooling requirements. A variable-speed air handler reduces your HVAC system’s electricity usage by ramping up and down slowly when your heat or air conditioning activates. Energy-efficient furnaces can equip two-stage or multi-stage burners, which burn fuel at different rates to produce exactly the amount of heating you require. Furnaces with multior two-stage burners offer an additional five to eight percent in energy savings.
If you’re ready to purchase and install a new furnace or air conditioner in your Columbus home, contact a heating and cooling professional for the advice and assistance you need. Installation by an experienced professional will ensure you get the maximum energy savings out of your new system. You can find out more about the products and services we offer throughout the Columbus area on our website or by reading through the articles on our blog.