Improving Energy Efficiency | Heating and Air Conditioning
Improving Energy Efficiency | Heating and Air Conditioning
There are several reasons homeowner’s seek ways for improving energy efficiency. Many consider reducing their home’s carbon footprint to be important, along with saving on the cost of energy. In the following, we look at ways to improve energy efficiency on a variety of budgets. Contact Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning, for the installation of an energy efficient Carrier heating and Air Conditioning system.
Energy Efficiency Improvements on $100 -$150
- The cost of replacing light bulbs will depend upon the number required and the type selected. LED light bulbs offer the best energy efficiency, and the longest lifespan. Select LED for the most used lighting, and the hardest to reach, while using compact fluorescents for the remainder to save on cost. Ensure you choose Energy Star approved bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy.
- Inspect your home for air leaks. Potential locations include, missing window caulking, damaged door sweeps and seals, cracks and gaps in the foundation, points of entry for wires, cable, and pipes. Not only are gaps a source of air intrusion, but also an entry for pests. Use steel wool to deter rodents, leaving space to seal with expanding foam. When sealing is required around ventilation pipes serving heating or gas water heaters, ensure to use a high heat tolerance sealant designed for this purpose.
- A programmable thermostat offers greater accuracy, and the ability to program a schedule for heating and air conditioning. Reducing the heat when all occupants are away, and increasing the temperature to prevent unnecessary operation of the air conditioning while the home is unoccupied, will conserve energy, and greatly reduce your cost. A Cypress heating and air conditioning technician can provide the installation for you.
- Install window film to block heat and damaging UV rays. Begin with west and southerly facing windows to assist in maintaining a cooler home during the summer.
- Purchase thermally insulated drapes to make your home warmer on winter nights. Open the drapes during the day to allow sunshine to assist in heating your home, and close them at sunset to keep out the chill. Properly sealed windows should not allow drafts in.
- Inspect the seals over joints in the HVAC ductwork. As much as 30% of the cost to operate the heating and air conditioning system can be lost in faulty ducts. Metal tape is the proper sealant for joints.
Energy Efficiency Improvements for $500
- The cost of materials will vary depending on your location, and the home’s square footage. However, the average home can upgrade its attic insulation for about $500. If the insulation has settled exposing the ceiling joists, it is a sure sign of the need for additional insulation.
- Replace a poorly insulated door with an Energy Star approved model. You will not be able to buy the double doors and transom you would like for a front door replacement on a $500 budget, but you should be able to replace the standard back door. Shop around for doors on sale to save money.
Energy Efficiency Improvements on $1,000 – $2,000
A budget of $1,000 -$2,000 cannot provide all new Energy Star appliances. However, it will replace one or two. Watch the sales, and you may save enough to claim the extra appliance. If you are buying a new refrigerator, look for Energy Star certification.
Furthermore, purchasing a new washer that spins laundry nearly dry will save you significantly on the cost of operating the dryer. With older machines, simply allow the laundry to spin longer to achieve similar results. You can also air dry clothes by using a clothesline in the summer and an indoor drying rack during the winter.
The conventional water heater is a home’s second highest consumer of energy. With this in mind, a tankless water heater may offer convenience and energy savings. While costs vary greatly between brands and in different regions, compare the price of a gas tankless water heater, and installation among various plumbers. If you already have the correct size gas line, and an approved ventilation pipe for tankless models, you can save money on the cost of installation.
Energy Efficiency Improvements on $5,000 – $9,000
Heating and air conditioning systems are the homes largest consumer of energy. The logic is simple, replace an aging system with an Energy Star approved system saves both energy and money. The cost of a new heating and air conditioning system, and its installation varies widely between brands, models, and regions. Building code requirements, the size and other factors of your home, such as the quality of insulation, can increase costs, or decrease them. Contact a Cypress representative to receive an estimate of the installation of a new heating and air conditioning system.
Furthermore, the features you select for new heating and air conditioning may affect the cost. However, you should consider the energy efficient features will provide a return in a reasonable amount of time. Examples of features that can increase costs, but save significantly on energy consumption include the variable speed AC compressor and variable speed fans.
Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s experienced and certified technicians’ install the top rated HVAC product, Carrier heating and air conditioning systems. If you are seeking ways for improving energy efficiency, give us a call. We have a system to fit almost any budget, and our technicians possess the expertise to assure a professional installation. We serve Katy, Plano, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with a consistent A+ rating.
