December 10, 2020

When your HVAC system is approaching the end of its lifespan, you may have to deal with a lot of issues. An energy-efficient system can prevent losses in terms of utility bills and frequent repairs. Besides power consumption and repairs, an energy-efficient system has several benefits for your home’s comfort and safety. Here are the top five benefits of installing an energy-efficient HVAC.

Save on Utility Bills

How can you determine your furnace’s energy efficiency? One of the most common industry standards is AFUE. It stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and measures the percentage of the fuel your furnace converts to energy.

Modern systems can attain an AFUE rating of up to 98%. Older systems have an efficiency rating that peaks at about 65%. That means older equipment loses as much as 35%, usually through its exhaust.

As your system ages, it will start to become even more inefficient at regulating temperatures in your home. But that also depends on how frequently you maintain your equipment. Some tasks that are easy to do, like changing the filter, can have an impact on the output of your HVAC.

Servicing components is one way to keep your equipment efficient. Dust can also impact the function of semi-conductors found in electronic parts. Layers of debris can insulate the components and reduces their effectiveness considerably. Other parts of your heating system, such as the refrigerant and heating elements, may also become inefficient due to dust.

If you notice your utility bill is rising, it could be due to dust and debris in your ductwork. Blockages can limit airflow within your home. Your system has to overwork to meet the heating demands of the building.

Optimize Airflow in Your Home

Newer heating systems use variable-speed motors as opposed to single-speed motors. A single-speed motor can only switch on and off depending on the values it receives from the thermostat. As a result, older versions of HVAC equipment require a considerable amount of energy to run.

On the other hand, the variable speed motor can adjust its speed to cater to the building’s demands while limiting power consumption. Temperatures will also be more consistent throughout your home.

The single-speed motor can draw a lot of power due to its frequent stop-start cycle. The variable-speed motor avoids those spikes in electrical usage by running slowly. The latter only increases the speed when your thermostat changes its values.

The variable-speed motor has another advantage: it can boost the system’s ability to filter debris and dust. Since it runs at slower but consistent speeds, the filtration mechanism has more time to capture pollutants. However, you’ll still need to clean or change your filter every month to keep your system effective.

With a more consistent airflow, energy-efficient systems can eliminate moisture better than older equipment. The motor can run for longer, which facilitates the balance between temperature and humidity in your home.

Inadequate airflow allows moisture to accumulate, causing microbial growth, which is a health hazard. However, before you conclude that your system is faulty, you need to consider other sources of pollution. Some indoor activities may increase the contaminants to a level beyond the control of your HVAC unit.

Avoid Costly Repairs

An inefficient system will often run continuously, every time there is an increase in the heating load. The problem with a constantly running system is that it speeds up the deterioration of your equipment’s critical parts. As a result, your furnace components breakdown faster, and you may have to contend with a series of repairs.

An aging system usually has multiple components that keep developing faults. A replacement of those components can restore your system’s efficiency. But it may be just a matter of time before other parts of your equipment start developing faults.

In such instances, you may want to consider getting a replacement that will be more reliable in the future. [company-name] team can guide you as you decide on whether to replace your HVAC. There is no need to get a new one if a technician can fix the existing one. But it may be more sensible to replace if your existing unit is nearing the end of its lifespan.

Furthermore, with a new system, you can take advantage of the latest technologies to boost your comfort and efficiency. Our highly experienced team can recommend purification solutions such as UV light systems. UV technologies use Ultra Violet rays to kill microbes that could be a danger to you and your family in Jacksonville.

Keep Your Equipment warranties

One benefit of keeping your HVAC system energy efficient is to avoid voiding the warranty. When you buy a new unit, the manufacturer extends a warranty to cover replacement parts. But failing to maintain your system will mean the contract is no longer valid.

Your warranty has terms that often include requirements such as annual maintenance. You will therefore need to produce all the maintenance documentation when you want to make a warranty claim.

Another requirement by HVAC equipment manufacturers is proper installation. If the set up was substandard, you risk voiding your warranty. It is, therefore, essential to ensure certified professionals do the installation to avoid unnecessary losses.

You should also understand the terms of the contract. Some brands allow for only replacement parts that match the equipment’s functionality. In other words, they do not accept off-brand replacements; otherwise, the manufacturer will void the warranty.

Safety and Comfort

When it comes to safety and comfort, an energy-efficient furnace is a must. It boosts your home’s indoor air quality, and there are fewer cases of expensive repairs. It also produces less noise since it is clean and adequately lubricated.

An energy-efficient furnace has features that can improve the quality and accuracy of temperature regulation. Variable speed motors facilitate airflow and help to balance temperature and humidity to optimize comfort.

The most recent versions of furnaces give you better control of your system for your peace of mind. You can check your home’s temperature or switch off your equipment while at work. You can receive reports on the energy consumption of your home to help you manage your usage.

There are many ways you can save energy and boost your comfort with a replacement. You can ensure that the installation of the equipment matches the demands of industry and regulation standards. Even if your equipment is in perfect condition, it may develop problems if the ductwork was not installed properly.

You can also take the opportunity to install indoor air quality solutions to enhance your comfort and safety. McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning can assist you in evaluating the energy demands of your Jacksonville home. Our friendly staff is always glad to walk you through the options based on your needs and preferences.

You can depend on our NATE-certified team for air duct cleaning, as well as maintenance and repair of your HVAC system. We are a top-rated company with A+ ratings on BBB, and we have a highly-experienced team. Talk to McGowan’s Heating & Air Conditioning’s award-winning technicians in Jacksonville for prompt and reliable services.

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