Creating a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment begins with choosing the right HVAC system. When building a new house or considering upgrades to your current heating and cooling system, selecting the appropriate HVAC is essential.
An adequately chosen HVAC can provide optimal comfort while helping you save on energy costs. The installation of an HVAC system involves careful consideration of factors such as:
- Square Footage (SF) of the Home
- Thermal Performance of Insulation
- Regional Climate Conditions
By choosing an appropriately sized unit that addresses these factors, you can ensure energy-efficient operation with realized cost savings. In today's blog, we'll explore tips for choosing the right HVAC system for your home--where comfort meets efficiency!
Assessing Your Home’s Cooling and Heating Requirements
When it comes to assessing your home’s cooling and heating requirements, there are several factors you should consider. Understanding these factors guarantees optimal comfort while maximizing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Square Footage of Your Home
The size of your living space is important in deciding what heating and cooling systems you will require. Larger homes require more robust systems to heat or cool the entire home efficiently and effectively. Therefore, an average-sized home of 2000 SF or smaller will cost less to cool and heat.
Thermal Performance of Insulation
Proper insulation helps retain heat during winter and keeps cool air inside during summer. Well-insulated homes require less energy to stay comfortable temperature, leading to lower utility bills and reduced energy output.
Regional Climate Conditions
Different regions have different weather patterns, temperatures, and humidity levels. Understanding your climate zone will help determine the type of heating and cooling systems best suited for your area.
The climate in the Four States is classified mixed-humid by the U.S. Department of Energy. That means homeowners living in either northwest Arkansas, southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri, or northeast Oklahoma will experience:
- 20 inches or more of precipitation annually
- The number of heating degree days, 5,400 or less, measures the energy required for heating or cooling a building.
- An average wintertime temperature below 45° Fahrenheit
Evaluating Energy Efficiency Ratings and Certifications
When assessing the energy efficiency of an HVAC system, there are two critical factors to consider:
- SEER Rating
- Energy Star Certification
SEER Rating
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, measures how well an AC or heat pump works throughout a entire cooling season. SEER rating calculations come from dividing the cooling output of an AC unit or heat pump during a typical cooling season by the amount of energy consumed in watts per hour.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the energy consumption. AC units in the Four States region should hold a 15 SEER to start.
Besides SEER ratings, there's another measure called EER for room or window AC units, which assesses their energy efficiency. EER measures cooling efficiency by comparing cooling in Btu's per hour to power input in watts.
Energy Star Certification
The widely recognized Energy Star certification is the other energy-efficient measure for HVAC systems. An Energy Star-certified HVAC system meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Energy Star certification considers factors beyond SEER ratings. These factors include advanced features, smart controls, and 8% less energy usage compared to newer conventional models. For HVAC systems to earn this certification, they must meet rigorous energy efficiency standards while still providing reliable performance.
Homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency should consider SEER ratings and Energy Star certifications when purchasing a new HVAC system. Homeowners who choose HVAC units with higher SEER ratings and Energy Star certification will experience realized savings.
Budget Considerations
When choosing the right HVAC system for your home, factor in all initial expenses to determine future savings.
- Initial Equipment & Material
- Installation and Labor
These costs vary depending on factors such as the SF of your home, desired energy efficiency rating, and any additional features or upgrades you may choose. Buying and installing a new HVAC system is expensive at first. However, it is crucial to consider the energy savings in the long run.
The U. S. government also offers tax incentives or rebates for installing Energy Star HVAC systems. These programs can offset some initial costs associated with upgrading your system.
Making an Informed Decision Begins With Hiring an Experienced HVAC Contractor
When hiring an HVAC contractor, making an informed decision is crucial for ensuring the quality and reliability of the services provided. One reputable option to consider is Clements Plumbing Heating and Cooling.
When you hire Clements Plumbing Heating and Cooling, you can be confident in working with a reliable HVAC expert. They have a proven history of providing excellent services. That is based on their many years of experience in the industry.
Contact Clements Plumbing Heating and Cooling today to schedule your free in-home estimate. You can rest confidently knowing you've made a well-informed decision based on their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
