When you think of home heating and air, what comes to mind? The winter months, cold noses and toes? Or maybe staying cool and comfortable on hot summer days?
Whatever comes to mind, heating and air are some of the most significant expenses for property owners and tenants, when temperatures rise or drop. Although we all know energy costs usually rise during the cold and hot seasons, how do we know if our HVAC systems are efficient or if we are spending too much on an outdated unit?
What Is An Energy-Efficient Heating And Cooling System?
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in the demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These types of appliances and systems use as little energy as possible while still providing comfortable temperatures inside your living space. Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems reduce your energy costs and consumption which is good for your savings and the environment.
How Do I Know If My Heating and Air Unit Are Energy-Efficient?
One way to check if your unit is energy-efficient is to look at the actual label on the unit. Most units will display their efficiency levels somewhere on the unit itself.
If your unit displays a label with an efficiency of at least 15, then you’re probably OK. Most units with efficiency levels above this are considered “Energy-Efficient”. Units with efficiency levels below this are considered “Energy-Saving”. The lower the rating the less energy-efficient your system is. Outdated models may also not be as efficient as when they were new, in this case you may consider getting your unit serviced or if it’s time for a new one.
You can also contact your local energy supplier if you are unsure about the condition of your system. They should have easy instructions on how to test your current equipment to see if it’s energy-efficient or not or they can arrange a technician to assess your unit.
Can A New Energy-efficient Heating And Cooling System Help Me Save Energy?
Like most new innovations, modern energy-efficient HVAC systems keep advancing in their overall performance. Meaning, in comparison to older, outdated systems they are much more effective in saving energy. So, if you currently have an older or low-efficiency model, upgrading to a newer energy-efficient unit will surely reduce your power consumption. In this situation, the real question to ask is how much energy or money can it save you?
How Much Energy Can An Energy Efficient Heating And Cooling System Save Me?
Even if your system is 10 years old, some estimates suggest savings of up to 20-40 percent on power upon upgrading to a modern, more efficient system.
In fact, the Department of Energy (DoE) advises that by installing a new energy-efficient HVAC system you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 40%. Although this does come with an initial cost in the long term you end up saving money and lowering the amount of energy you use.
Do Energy-Efficient Heating And Cooling Systems Qualify for Any Tax Credits?
Whether you’re undergoing renovations or just replacing your old HVAC unit then you may be entitled to receive a tax credit for installing an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. However, The Federal Tax Credit for High Efficient HVAC Systems is for residential properties only and does not apply to new construction. It was established in 2005 as a part of the Energy Policy Act and is still applicable due to being extended multiple times.
This is a 25c tax credit that can be used to lower or eliminate some or all of your taxes; it is not a refund. The amount can equal up to 10% of the initial costs or up to $500. The total amount of savings depends on the level of efficiency rating of the unit you install. To be eligible for the credit your system needs to meet certain energy-saving requirements and you will need to show proof of the system’s efficiency level by providing a copy of the manufacturer’s certificate.
What Type Of Energy-Efficient Heating And Cooling System Are There?
Below we’ve listed the various types of HVAC systems, some can be more efficient depending on the home and location, and each type has a different efficiency rating system.
Air Source Heat Pumps
This type of system uses heat pumps to either heat or cool the system. While heating, refrigerant is used to cool air and move in the heat from outside. These can be very efficient for heating but they don’t perform as well in colder climates.
Geothermal Pumps
A system like this utilizes the earth for its source of heat. Although this choice is much more efficient than heat pumps that are air-sourced, the steep price makes it less desirable for the average homeowner.
Furnaces
These systems are used to heat air and can run off of electricity, gas, or oil. They are the most common types of heating units and they can range in efficiency.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are used to cool the home and they are usually paired with a furnace to provide a home with both heating and cooling environments. These units become less efficient over time.
How Do You Know When To Replace Your Heating And Cooling Unit?
This is a very common question that many times can only be answered by an HVAC professional. Many things can indicate that it may be time to replace your heating and cooling system. The two most common are age and condition.
Most heating and cooling equipment is warranted for a specific period, usually between five and twenty years. Many warranties are only good if the equipment is installed by a particular company or maintained by a certain company.
As equipment gets older, it loses efficiency. For example, your home’s furnace may be able to heat 1,000 square feet of space using 1,000 Btus per hour. If your furnace can only create that same amount of heat using 1,200 Btus, then it is losing efficiency. This means that if you originally heated your home with 1,000 Btus per hour, it is losing 100 Btus per hour. Over time, this can cause your home to begin getting colder or even cause the home to stop heating.
If you are experiencing either of these issues, it may be time to replace your equipment. Also, if you are experiencing a continual increase in your fuel costs, it may be time to replace your equipment.
How Long Do Heating And Cooling Systems Last?
This depends on the system. For example, gas-fired heating and cooling units have a shorter lifespan than electrical systems. Most designs are warranted for ten years, which is the average peak lifetime of a heating or cooling system. Although, with a good system it could be efficient for 15 to 25 years depending on the type of unit and how well it’s maintained.
Natural Gas Heating equipment typically has a lifespan of about fifteen to twenty years. Refrigeration equipment, on the other hand, has a lifespan of about thirty years or more. All heating and cooling equipment has a lifespan. It is impossible to predict how long any system will last, but it is important to have a general idea of how long you can expect your equipment to last so that you can plan for any future expenses.