subject: An Efficient Climate Control System Saves Money On Energy Bills [print this page] The largest single demand for energy in the average home comes from heating and cooling. According to the U.s Department of Energy, air conditioning and heating can utilize 40 percent of the total energy usage in the home. With ever increasing costs of energy, interior climate control can eat up a significant portion of the family budget putting the climate control system at the top of the list when we look to reducing our energy costs. There are a number of ways to accomplish this goal without compromising comfort.
If your home's heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is old, it is costing you much more in energy use than newer models by a considerable percentage. For example, replacing a central air conditioning unit that is 12 years old or older with a new Energy Star rated model can cut your cooling expenses by 30 percent. A new system will also save you in repair costs demanded by older units. Though it is a large expense to replace the systems, there are often rebates and utility company incentives to help cover the cost in addition to the immediate savings you will see in your reduced energy costs. Your HVAC contractor can help you find these savings as well as make recommendations for systems that best meet your needs.
If your HVAC systems aren't that old or if you can't afford to replace them, yearly inspections, cleaning, and service will help to keep them functioning at their peak performance. Dirty coils, inadequate coolant and the like reduce the efficiency of air conditioning significantly, making them work harder and thus, more expensively. Regular maintenance of your HVAC units and heat pump service will also uncover any small problems before they become large, costly problems to extend the life of the units.
Climate control systems have become more sophisticated than ever. A simple, inexpensive programmable thermostat can save on costs by automatically adjusting the temperature up or down as appropriate. It prevents an unoccupied house from being cooled or heated and adjusts it back to a comfortable setting when you're home. It can also automatically lower the interior temperature on winter nights after everyone is in bed under covers to further save on costs.
If you do nothing else, have your HVAC contractor come in for a complete inspection and service of your units to ensure that they are working efficiently. Ask about other ways you can make your home more energy efficient to keep your home comfortable and your bills more affordable.
