The Reasons That You Need An Efficient Cooling And Heating System
According to the latest data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cooling and heating now accounts for around 56 percent of the energy used in the average American home. When it comes to cutting energy consumption and costs, homeowners have multiple options, from installing new energy-efficient equipment to improving their home's level of insulation. Homeowners who take steps to reduce energy usage can expect to enjoy a more comfortable environment at home, as well.
Energy-Saving Home Improvements
By sealing the envelope of insulation that surrounds a home, heating and cooling systems can run less frequently without compromising home comfort. Improvements can be as simple as adding shades or blinds to window treatments or can be as extensive as adding insulation to exterior walls. Some of the most cost-effective home upgrades include:
Window Replacement: Only 48 percent of homes built before 1990 have double-pane windows. According to the EPA, replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient products can lower home energy bills by as much as 15 percent.
Ductwork Sealing and Insulation: Eliminating gaps and leaks in ductwork can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent.
Attic Insulation: The EPA reports that around 80 percent of homes constructed before 1990 have inadequate attic insulation. Adding attic insulation can reduce home energy consumption by as much as 30 percent.
Landscaping: Planting deciduous trees on the south and southwest sides of a home allows sunlight to filter through during the winter while providing shade to the home in the heat of summer.
New Cooling and Heating Installation
For homeowners with HVAC systems more than 10 years old, installing a new energy-efficient system is a smart investment that pays off through reduced operating costs. Energy efficiency requirements for home HVAC products have become stricter over the last decade and the industry has responded to the tightened standards with innovative products and technologies that improve home comfort while conserving power.
To enjoy the full benefit of a new HVAC system, proper installation is critical. According to the EPA, incorrect installation can lower a system's efficiency by up to 30 percent. A system that is too small won't meet the household's cooling and heating demands; an oversized system not only costs more to purchase and operate, but tends to cycle on and off frequently, resulting in uncomfortable shifts in temperature.
A home energy audit is the most reliable way to identify which improvements will offer the greatest savings. Skilled HVAC technicians use specialized tools and technology to locate any sources of energy loss. By improving the home's overall efficiency and by using energy-saving products, homeowners can anticipate lower utility bills, as well as exceptional comfort in every season.
Energy-Saving Home Improvements
By sealing the envelope of insulation that surrounds a home, heating and cooling systems can run less frequently without compromising home comfort. Improvements can be as simple as adding shades or blinds to window treatments or can be as extensive as adding insulation to exterior walls. Some of the most cost-effective home upgrades include:
Window Replacement: Only 48 percent of homes built before 1990 have double-pane windows. According to the EPA, replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient products can lower home energy bills by as much as 15 percent.
Ductwork Sealing and Insulation: Eliminating gaps and leaks in ductwork can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent.
Attic Insulation: The EPA reports that around 80 percent of homes constructed before 1990 have inadequate attic insulation. Adding attic insulation can reduce home energy consumption by as much as 30 percent.
Landscaping: Planting deciduous trees on the south and southwest sides of a home allows sunlight to filter through during the winter while providing shade to the home in the heat of summer.
New Cooling and Heating Installation
For homeowners with HVAC systems more than 10 years old, installing a new energy-efficient system is a smart investment that pays off through reduced operating costs. Energy efficiency requirements for home HVAC products have become stricter over the last decade and the industry has responded to the tightened standards with innovative products and technologies that improve home comfort while conserving power.
To enjoy the full benefit of a new HVAC system, proper installation is critical. According to the EPA, incorrect installation can lower a system's efficiency by up to 30 percent. A system that is too small won't meet the household's cooling and heating demands; an oversized system not only costs more to purchase and operate, but tends to cycle on and off frequently, resulting in uncomfortable shifts in temperature.
A home energy audit is the most reliable way to identify which improvements will offer the greatest savings. Skilled HVAC technicians use specialized tools and technology to locate any sources of energy loss. By improving the home's overall efficiency and by using energy-saving products, homeowners can anticipate lower utility bills, as well as exceptional comfort in every season.
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