It is more important than ever for home owners to consider purchasing an energy efficient heating and air conditioning system. An energy efficient system will help you save money as well as energy in the home. Saving energy in the home helps with environmental issues, so not only do you help your pocketbook but also the world. There are a few important factors to consider when purchasing an energy efficient air conditioning and heating system and we have listed a few tips below.
Home Energy Assessment
The best place to start with energy efficiency is with a Home Energy Assessment. This option is perfect for home owners because they will be able to determine how well their home uses energy. An assessment will determine if you have any air leaks, are under-insulated or have any other energy issues. Your local utility company may offer this service for free or at a low cost. Your local HVAC provider may also be able to help you in this process. Once the assessment has completed, you will then be able to repair any issues you are having. Sealing up leaks and adding insulation can work wonders on your energy savings in the home.
Purchase Process
Once you are ready to purchase a product, take the time to research the Energy Guide as well as look for an Energy Star Logo. These items will help you determine how much energy the product requires and will use during the heating and cooling process. You want to look for the Energy Star logo as it means the product meets certain energy standards which are required by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the DOE.
SEER Rating
It is also important to look for the SEER rating of a unit. This rating will determine the amount of energy used during the heating and cooling process. Currently, products should have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. The higher the rating, the better the energy efficiency. However, you may not need a very large rating for your home, if your home is of small square footage.
Professional Advice
As always, it is effective for home owners to ask for advice from a professional when making a large purchase. Contact your local HVAC provider to learn more about energy efficient heating and cooling products. Your provider will also be able to visit your home and help you determine what type of unit will work best for your home and then start the installment process. Basically, your provider is available from start to finish helping you get the best heating and cooling option for your home that provides energy efficient savings.
