With energy costs recently skyrocketing, it is crucial for all homeowners to be aware of how to get the most out of their heating and air conditioning systems. No matter if you use central air conditioning or individual units, oil, or gas heat, these essential utilities can be very pricey if you do not do correct upkeep on them. In addition, depending on where you live, you may have to use them for many months of the year.
In this piece, we will give homeowners some good advice on how to get the most out of their heating and air conditioning systems.
Hint 1 - No matter if, you are thinking about hot or cold air, you must make certain that you constantly have adequate airflow. The top reason why airways are blocked is dirty air filters. This is why it is important that you inspect your filters at least once a month. If you see that they are worn or dirty, and then just go to a hardware store and purchase new replacement filters. This easy hint can save you hundreds per year in energy costs.
Tip 2 - The next thing to check is your evaporator and condenser coils. This may sound very technical to you, however it is easy to ask a professional how to check and perform upkeep on them while they are being installed. It is important to check on the evaporator because it may become blocked up, which will make your system work more than it usually would.
This will eventually raise your utility rates and make your system wear down quicker than it should. If you can manage it, you can always clean your condensing coils by running them under the hose. Make sure you handle them gently and do not use a strong stream of water. The fins in the condensing coils are fragile and if they are damaged you will have to buy new coils, and they are costly.
As well, you can clean your evaporator coil with some dish soap and warm water. You can use an old toothbrush to clean the insides but be cautious as to not damage the fins.
Tip 3 - Fallen insulation and crumbled or damaged duct lines will affect the temperature in your home. If you find either of these issues, then you must contact your service company to come and replace them for you. Do not go crawling around your attic trying to find the issue yourself unless you have a lot of experience dealing with insulation or duct repair.
Tip 4 - In the end, it is a superb idea to buy a service agreement from a service company. Such agreements are commonly inexpensive and will ensure that a trained professional will come to your house and examine your system at least twice in a year and will do upkeep and repairs and do the required cleanings on all of your filters and coils.
Do your due diligence to see which company gives the most ideal service agreements, as they will vary in cost and features. Same as having our automobiles serviced, having the heating and cooling systems in our homes serviced is a way to prevent problems from happening and a great investment that will save you significant amount money per year in energy fees.
About the author: Jerry Dyess has been specializing in the Electricity market segment for the past 7 years. He has published many articles on Business Electric prices.
In late 2008, George Bush signed into effect the EESA (Emergency Economic Stabilization Act) 2008. The law extends significant tax credits for homeowners who make the choice to purchase higher efficiency HVAC equipment, versus choosing the lowest cost solution presented to them. We wanted to take a quick look at the tax credits, and relate how they can effect you!
Energy Tax Credits for HVAC Equipment
Keep in mind that not ALL equipment is going to qualify for this tax credit and make sure you ask your HVAC Contractor how it will apply to you. The credit amount and qualifications are listed in the table below:
Central Air Conditioners : $300 Tax Credit
Split Systems: EER 12.5 or Higher, 15 SEER or Higher!
Package Units: EER 12 or Higher, 14 SEER or Higher!
*Subject to a $500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.
Air Source Heat Pumps: $300 Tax Credit
Split Systems: HSPF 9 or Higher, 13 EER, 15 SEER or Higher!
*Subject to a $500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.
Geothermal Heat Pumps: %30 of Cost, Up to $2000!
Closed Loop: Minimum 14.1 EER, 3.3 COP or Higher
Open Loop: Minimum 16.5 EER, 3.6 COP or Higher
Direct Expansion: Minimum 15 EER, 3.5 COP or Higher
Gas, Oil or Propane or Hot Water Furnace: $150 Tax Credit
Furnaces must Meet a minimum of 95% AFUE
Boilers must meet minimum 95% AFUE.
HVAC Air Handler: $50 Tax Credit
The requirement for the air handler must not exceed 2% of the furnace total energy use.
Cost Savings Versus Benefit
Aside from the environmental benefits to choosing a higher efficiency HVAC system for you home or business, you need to weigh the additional upfront cost, versus the long term savings you will achieve. Regardless of where you live in the USA, you can expect to pay a high cost for the higher efficiency equipment, in some cases, double the cost. In order to determine if it will benefit you, check out the HVACOPCost Savings Calculator to find out how much you may save.
Obviously, consumers in hotter climates will recognize an immediate benefit choose a higher SEER rating on the cooling system, where they wont realize any benefit choosing a high efficiency heating system, since they rarely use it. What good is a $50 tax credit for a furnace that cost you $3000 and never gets used?!
Bottom Line
The Home Energy Tax Credits can save you a considerable amount of money on your initial HVAC purchase when you choose to install high efficiency equipment. Search out manufacturers that also offer rebates on equipment, and compound your savings. Regardless of which path you take to replace your unit, make sure your HVAC Contractor reviews all options with you so you know exactly what you are getting!
