F&S HVAC - The Heat and Air Crew - Chattanooga http://theheatandaircrew.com Chattanooga Area Heating and Air Contractor Wed, 01 May 2013 03:54:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 About ENERGY STAR Air Conditioning http://theheatandaircrew.com/general-information/about-energy-star-air-conditioning/ http://theheatandaircrew.com/general-information/about-energy-star-air-conditioning/#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:04:55 +0000 admin http://theheatandaircrew.com/?p=58 Did You Know?

Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year – nearly half the home’s total energy bill. If your central air conditioning unit is more than 12 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model could cut your cooling costs by 30%.

Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enhance the comfort of your home while saving energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change.

ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners:

  • have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) ratings, making them about 14% more efficient than standard models.

The central air conditioner also needs a blower motor – which is usually part of the furnace – to blow the cool air through the duct system. The only way to ensure that your new air conditioner performs at its rated efficiency is to replace your heating system at the same time. It’s especially recommended if your furnace is over 15 years old. If you purchase a new energy-efficient air conditioner but connect it to an older furnace and blower motor, your system will not perform to its rated efficiency.

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Energy Star

Here are some really basic energy saving tips and simple maintenance tips that will help save you money:Following basic energy saving tips for your air conditioning system is important since it is one of the largest power consuming devices in your home. In fact, it can cost you up to half of your electric bill! Ensuring your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency is key.

  • Keep filters clean
  • Keep indoor and outdoor coils clean
  • Have your system tuned up
  • Get a programmable thermostat (if you don’t have one)
  • Keep your home at 82 degrees when you’re not home
  • Have your air ducts checked and sealed if leaking
  • Make sure there is adequate insulation in your attic
  • Ensure windows and doors are sealed tight
  • Keep drapes or blinds closed
  • Purchase a new high SEER (efficient) air conditioning system

Keep the following in mind while operating your air conditioning system:

  • When operating in the cooling cycle, your air conditioner will run until the indoor temperature is lowered to the level you have selected.
  • On extremely hot days, your air conditioner will run for longer periods at a time and have shorter “off” periods than on moderate days.
  • The average recommended setting while you are at home is 78 degrees for cooling, and 68 degrees for heating. Adverse affects on the cost of running your air conditioning system:

There are many conditions that add extra heat and/or humidity to your home and, therefore, affect the cost of operating your air conditioning. Your unit will work longer and cost more to keep you comfortable under these conditions:

  • Entrance doors are frequently opened and closed
  • Laundry appliances are being operated
  • The shower is running
  • More than the usual number of people are present in the home
  • More than the usual number of electric lights are in use
  • Drapes or blinds are kept open on the sunny side of the house

There are many ways to cut costs and help your unit run more efficiently. For example, ceiling fans don’t actually cool the room. Ceiling fans circulate air and can make you feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings. Ceiling fans use about as much electricity as a light bulb. However, make sure you turn fans off in unoccupied rooms.

Using just a bit of common sense and allowing your body to adjust to slightly higher temperatures in your home (like 78 degrees instead of 74 degrees!) can save you a lot of money on your electric bills.

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