Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems

The latest energy-efficient HVAC systems can and do reduce utility bills. Compared to their not-so-distant predecessors, today's systems utilize less energy and perform much better—a fact that the average homeowner can see every month when the utility bill arrives. But that's not all that's potentially in it for you. A reduced environmental impact is a plus that many advanced technologies associated with modern HVAC systems bring. Overall energy and electricity use is down, as are greenhouse gas emissions, with system operation being the primary driver there. Another nice touch that these systems bring to the table is direct, improved, and overall better indoor air quality.

Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save homeowners anywhere from 20% to 40% on annual energy expenses. Many payback estimates, however, are based on quite a few variables. The oldest and least efficient systems have the most room to improve and the greatest potential for savings, so if that's what you have and you replace it, expect at least $500, perhaps closer to $1,000, annually. That's not only covering the shortfall that your bad system was providing (so to speak, the bad system's covered the last five years due to the federal tax credit), but it's also hitting you in the investment returns department.

The cooling efficiency of an air conditioning unit over an entire cooling season is what is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher SEER rating means more energy efficiency and a lower consumption of electricity. Most of the air conditioning systems that we use in our homes these days have a SEER rating between 13 and 25, with the numbers getting greater representing systems that are more efficient across the board. The U.S. Department of Energy actually recommends that we choose a system with a SEER rating between 15 and 25 for maximum energy efficiency and cost savings.

At a minimum, the maintenance of your HVAC system should occur biannually. A qualified technician will fine-tune and make any necessary adjustments to the system to get it running as close to 100% efficiency as possible. This is also a time to catch any looming issues. So if you're halfway through the year and wondering, "When should I have my furnace inspected?" the answer is really anytime before the next winter. The same goes for the air conditioning unit; inspect and service it at least twice a year.

Energy-efficient HVAC systems utilize advanced technologies to increase their effectiveness and decrease their energy consumption. These technologies include variable speed motors, improved compressor designs, and more sophisticated control systems. Where traditional systems typically operate at a single speed and consume a constant amount of energy, modern systems can adjust their output based on the precise demands of the moment. They also tend to include "smart" features that allow for even more efficient energy use—like the ability to program the system based on when people are home and not, or to cool or heat the parts of the house where its occupants are.

There is nothing more efficient for heating and cooling than heat pumps. They transfer heat; they do not generate it. Thus, they use much less energy than a furnace or an air conditioner. Nonetheless, they are the next-generation heating and cooling systems. Myriad models are available. Some use geothermal energy. Some are ducted. Some are ductless. All are smart solutions that will likely make even colder regions of the country sufficiently warm in winter while saving the inhabitants substantial sums compared to their using more traditional heating systems.

The accurate sizing of HVAC systems relies on many different elements. These are not just location specific but are also different for each individual home based on user needs. They include things like the amount and quality of insulation, the number and kind of windows, the height of the ceilings, and the actual living space—both square footage and cubic space since air risen doesn't cool as well. And then, of course, there's the law of averages in the system's performance across a wide range of local climate conditions and over many years.

Intelligent thermostats comprehend your temperature predilections and automatically compensate to maximize energy conservation. They can be operated from anywhere via the accompanying smartphone application and furnish you with a detailed and even colorful energy report. Many of the newer models use occupancy sensors and geofencing technology to up the ante and reduce even more energy waste. Altogether, these devices and technological enhancements can help a typical homeowner save an estimated 10-15% on one's energy bills for heating and cooling the living space.

Tax credits from the federal government are available for homeowners who install energy-efficient HVAC systems and cover 10-30% of the cost of installation. Many utility companies add to these credits with their own rebates and incentives. The programs are designed to push the much of the nation's housing stock toward reduced energy consumption and, in general, support the push for improved environmental sustainability. Homeowners should have a conversation with their local energy office and utility company to unearth the programs and incentives that might be available to them.