When most homeowners think of HVAC companies, they probably think of heater or air conditioner repair or maintenance. Did you know that many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies offer consultations to help you make your home more energy efficient? Not only do HVAC services teach homeowners how to make HVAC more efficient, but they also help them choose the most efficient HVAC systems for their homes.
Eventually, HVAC systems wear out. When your HVAC repair person tells you that you need a new HVAC system, ask for assistance in choosing your new system. There’s much more to it than reading the HVAC efficiency ratings and picking out an Energy Star-rated device.
Besides unit efficiency, you also need to consider the home’s square footage, the BTU and tonnage of the system your home needs, and the home’s J load calculation, according to HVAC Gnome. Your HVAC professional calculates the J load for you. After you know the system requirements, you’re ready to shop and compare prices. Additionally, your HVAC specialist can advise you on the latest technologies, such as variable-speed compressors and smart thermostats, which optimize energy consumption and comfort. Proper installation is equally important—an incorrectly installed system can reduce efficiency and lead to higher energy bills. Maintenance agreements often ensure your system continues running efficiently for years.
Older homes may not use the most efficient house design, but with a few primary home improvements, you can transform your home into a greener home. What does a greener home mean to you? A green home uses energy efficient construction to reduce the amount of energy the house uses, thereby reducing its carbon footprint and saving the homeowner money.
Reducing Heating Costs
What if you could contain the cost of heating your home throughout winter? You can by using propane system rentals or purchases. Installing a 250 to 500-gallon propane tank and filling it during the summer months can provide fuel for fall and winter. Buying propane heaters lets you locate heaters in frequently used rooms and maintain toasty warmth without the fluctuations of electricity or natural gas costs during winter.
According to Forbes, this better homes upgrade costs less than $1,000 upfront. It can save you money for many winters to come when you refill the tank in summer when propane prices drop to their lowest – about $2 to $2.60 per gallon. According to Learn Metrics, depending on the size of your home and the BTU of your heat system, a 250-gallon tank lasts from 26 days to seven months and two days.
If you are in the housing market, you will certainly have many questions. There are limitless options available and it can be difficult to know what to look for. Many Americans are looking for ways to save on energy bills and do their part to protect the environment. This extends to the home selection or building process. There are many ways that you can begin making an impact on your energy consumption, saving you money, and helping protect the environment for future generations.
The Unseen Value of a Newer Home
Brand new homes are being constructed with more and more efficient materials and green practices. ENERGY STAR rated homes accounted for nearly 30% of new constructions as of 2011, and that number continues to rise. To date, more than 1.5 million new homes for sale and 25,000 buildings and have earned the ENERGY STAR certification. Newer homes are on average 30% larger than older homes but consume the same amount of energy. Newer homes are more efficient and can save tons on energy costs.
The Importance of Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important in the U.S. today. Homes that make improvements towards energy efficiency save 30% on energy bills. This impact extends to the environment. Building a new home, or upgrading your home to energy efficient appliances will not only save you money, it will make a permanent impact on the environment. Building a new ENERGY STAR certified home is a responsible choice that will help create a better world for younger generations. Home builders are experts in making your home energy efficient.
Have More Questions? How to Get Answers
There are many local home builders and contractors that have expertise in making your home more efficient. If you are in the market for a new home, building a new home, or looking for ways to make your home more energy efficient, there are local contractors that can assess your home and identify the potential opportunities for improvement. Talk to a local professional today who can help you on the road to energy efficiency.
