Consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified
heating and cooling equipment
If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping
your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If
it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has
earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating
and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can cut your annual
energy bill by nearly $200. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make
sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct
system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC
equipment.
When is it time to replace?
Certain telltale signs indicate it's time to consider replacing
heating and cooling equipment, or improving the performance of your overall system.
It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:
Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR
label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20
percent on heating and cooling costs.
Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
Consider replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is
15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider
replacing with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 5% more efficient than a
new, standard model.
Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are
going up.
Your cooling or heating equipment my have become less efficient.
Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.
Improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate
insulation could be the cause.
No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a
programmable thermostat.
Install a programmable thermostat or have a good contractor
install one and instruct you on its use — to start saving energy and money
while they're away or sleeping.
Your home has humidity problems.
Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork
can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.
Your home has excessive dust.
Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces
and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may
be a solution.
Your heating or cooling system is noisy.
You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the
indoor coil of your cooling equipment.
Your score on the Home Energy Yardstick is below five.
That means your energy use at home is above average and you're
probably paying more than you need to on energy bills.
For a complete Home Comfort Analysis call Carbon Valley Heating and Air at 303-833-4466 or visit www.carbonvalleyheatingandair.com
