Energy Star is a primary measurement for efficient energy consumption and they offer several tips for smart energy consumption. Make sure your home is insulated properly. When you have air leaks you end up heating or cooling the outside air, as well as the inside. You will want to go around your home and check your window frames, doorjambs and attic. It is suggested that you should have enough insulation in the attic that major heat or cold is not leaking in. The exterior envelope and shell should be impenetrable. Run your hand along the edges of your window and door seals when checking for your leaks. Options are available to seal leaks you may have. They include foam strips, caulking and sealant material available at any hardware store.
Duct problems can be alleviated by making sure they are air tight, properly sized for your system as well as keeping them clear of debris. The best way to do this is not by yourself, but by hiring a contractor with the correct equipment. Ducts should not be tangled or crushed, but lay flat. Kinks can cause stress, which will cause fractures and thereby leaks. Duct tape, despite its name, is not necessarily the perfect insulation answer for ductwork. Insulation specifically for ductwork is the best, and you should search for something with a six or higher R rating. Have your contractor perform a combustion safety test before they leave so you can be assured there will be no backdraft of gasses or oils.
When your heat pump or air conditioning system is over twelve years old, it may be a good idea to replace the system. With the advancement of technology, there will always be something better in the future to cool or heat your home than something that is older. When you purchase a new system, do not be dismayed if the new unit looks much smaller than the one you have had. Much like computer chips getting smaller so has the technology for heat pumps and air conditioners shrunk in comparison to their grandparents. Your current system should be cycling on and off a t the designated time on your thermostat. Lubricated parts will have the system running smoothly. Clean your air conditioner coils for proper function and retain your coolant levels.
When trying to keep your home arctic cool in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter, purchase and maintain the system right for your home. Furnaces will run on gas or electric while boilers usually run on gas or oil. Baseboard heaters and radiant floor systems circulate the heat throughout the home and your budget will be the largest determining factor between the two. Central air conditioners have a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) than in days past. Heat pumps are used largely in moderate climates and calibrate between outdoor and indoor temperatures to do the cooling and heating. Programmable thermostats are an excellent item to purchase as they can keep the temperatures set at a constant energy saving level. With all of these points in place, you should be able to enjoy your indoor home for years to come!
Eddie Blanchard is the owner of 72 Degrees, the leading Raleigh HVAC Repair and Service company . Their air conditioning service is available in Cary, Raleigh and Sanford North Carolina. Learn more about heating and cooling systems in North Carolina
