Because energy prices are going up, a lot of Wilmington homeowners are looking for ways to lower their utility bills. One of the best ways to stay comfortable while using less energy is to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient HVAC system. Today’s heating and cooling systems can keep you just as comfortable (and often more so) while using a lot less energy. The right system can make a big difference, whether it’s a high-SEER air conditioner to beat Wilmington’s summer heat or a high-efficiency heat pump to keep the temperature comfortable all year. Let’s look at what makes an HVAC system use less energy and how upgrading can help your home.
What Makes an HVAC System Save Energy?
Several things affect how well an HVAC system works:
- High Ratings for SEER and AFUE: Today’s HVAC systems are designed to use less energy while making you more comfortable. Air conditioners and heat pumps have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the better they work at cooling. Old cooling systems may only have a SEER of 8 to 10. New models, on the other hand, can have a SEER of 15 to 20 or more. AFUE (fuel efficiency) is another way to rate furnaces. New furnaces can have an AFUE of 95% or more, which means that 95% of the fuel turns into heat. Older furnaces only have an AFUE of 60% to 80%. Changing an old air conditioner or furnace to a high-efficiency one can save you a lot of energy and money.
- Heat Pump Technology: Heat pumps work well in places with mild weather, like Wilmington, because they move heat instead of making it. A heat pump works like an air conditioner in the summer. In the winter, it gets heat from the outside air to warm your home. Because our winters aren’t too harsh, a modern heat pump can often meet all of your heating needs at a much lower energy cost than older electric resistance heaters or inefficient furnaces.
- Variable Speed and Two-Stage Equipment: Traditional HVAC systems are either fully on or off, which wastes energy by constantly stopping and starting. Modern systems have two-stage or variable-speed compressors and fans. This lets them run at a low power level most of the time and only speed up when they need to. This stops the machine from starting and stopping a lot, which uses a lot of energy. Variable-speed equipment keeps indoor temperatures steady and uses less electricity by running more steadily and changing its output based on the conditions.
Advantages of an HVAC system that uses less energy
There are many benefits to upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system:
- Less Money Spent on Utilities: The most obvious benefit is that you save money every month. If you have a more efficient AC or furnace, you’ll be able to stay just as comfortable while using a lot less electricity or fuel. Those savings really add up over the course of the year.
- More Comfort at Home: High-efficiency systems usually keep the temperature more stable and control the humidity better. A variable-speed air conditioner, for instance, will get rid of a lot of the hot and cold spots that older systems have trouble with and keep the humidity inside at a comfortable level. You’ll be more comfortable all the time, even when it’s hot and humid in the summer and cold and wet in the winter.
- Environment friendly: Using less energy is good for the planet as well as your wallet. A high-efficiency HVAC system will lower your home’s carbon footprint by using less electricity and fuel to keep you comfortable.
- Rebates and Incentives: If you install HVAC equipment that uses less energy, you may be able to get rebates or tax credits. Duke Energy and other local utilities often have rebate programs for high-SEER air conditioners or energy-efficient heat pump upgrades. Federal or state programs may also give you money for Energy Star® certified systems. These credits and rebates can help you pay for part of the cost up front, making an upgrade that is more efficient more affordable.
Begin to save energy in your Wilmington home
Are you ready to lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable?
It’s a good idea to upgrade to an HVAC system that uses less energy. For the best energy-saving heating and cooling installations in Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding areas, call Air Support Heating & Air.
Our professionals will look at your home and suggest the best high-efficiency solution. They will also make sure that your new system is the right size and set up to save you the most money. When you decide to upgrade, our certified technicians will set up your new equipment so that it works at its best. We want to make your upgrade as affordable as possible, so don’t forget to ask us about current rebates or flexible financing options. If you have the right system in place, you can stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and save money all year long. Call Air Support Heating & Cooling today to set up a free consultation for an energy-efficient HVAC upgrade.
This is the first step toward lower bills and a greener home!