Do you know how well your current HVAC system is performing? Are certain areas of your home cooler or hotter than others? If yes, this can indicate your HVAC system is either over or under-conditioning different areas of your home for various reasons.
When you have an HVAC contractor come out for a regular checkup for maintenance or to diagnose an issue, be sure to ask the following questions to find out what steps you can take to optimize your HVAC system.
Is it over or undersized?
The HVAC contractor can perform calculations based on Manual J to determine if your HVAC unit is the correct size and determine how much airflow it can produce and whether that is sufficient for the square footage of your home.
The SEER rating stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio and can tell you how efficiently your HVAC system runs. Generally, the higher the rating, the less energy it needs to operate. Read more on SEER ratings on AHRI’s (Air-conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute) website: https://www.ahrinet.org/homeowners/save-energy/seasonal-energy-efficiency-ratio
Will simple maintenance make it last a few more years, or is it time to start looking at a new HVAC unit?
Older HVAC units using R-22 or R410 refrigerant, which is being phased out due to environmental concerns. Availability for this type of refrigerant is declining and would cost you more money.
Leaks can be the cause why not enough airflow reaches a particular area of your home and cost you extra money on your monthly energy bill.
IAQ has become an important factor to consider, especially for those suffering from allergies or prone to the common cold or flu. Next to regularly changing your air filter, your contractor can recommend UV-lights. Ask what else can be done to improve the air in your home.
Smart or programmable thermostats can help you save money on your monthly energy bill if they are set up based on your schedule. For example, in the summer months, the thermostat will run your HVAC equipment on your preferred temperature when you are home and turn the temperature back up when you are away. You can read more about determining your home or away schedule in our blog post on “Improving Comfort based on Lifestyle Pattern”.
An Arzel® Zoning system only requires you to have ductwork in place and can help you achieve energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
A professional HVAC contractor should be able to answer all your questions and make you aware of what steps you can take to optimize the performance of your HVAC system for energy savings and improved indoor air quality.
Reasons for Uneven Heating in Homes Several underlying factors can contribute to uneven heating in homes. Some of them are easy to fix, and others require a more dramatic intervention. Understanding why you’re experiencing uneven heating is the first step to correcting the problem. Here are some common reasons for uneven heating. Duct Design and […]
If you’ve ever wondered what to do when one room is hot and another is cold, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face the challenge of maintaining a consistent temperature throughout their homes. Uneven heating or cooling can lead to discomfort, frustration, and higher energy bills. Fortunately, HVAC zoning offers a solution by directing heating or […]
Ductless mini-splits have gotten attention for their ability to address uneven temperatures in different rooms. But these units might not be the most efficient and convenient solution. Before you invest, consider a ductless mini-split alternative: HVAC zoning. The Drawbacks of Ductless Mini-Splits Ductless mini-splits offer several advantages, but they are not without their challenges. One […]
In today’s world, where energy efficiency tops the list of housing concerns in the United States, achieving even temperatures and lower energy bills through a home upgrade has become a priority for many homeowners. According to a national poll by the Demand Institute, energy efficiency is the top housing concern for U.S. households. Despite this, […]
