How to Know If Your HVAC System Is Energy Efficient

energy efficient in Burbank, CA

The energy efficiency of your HVAC system is an important thing to consider, as it is a huge factor in how high or low your yearly heating and cooling costs will be. How much insulation your home has, how well-sealed its exterior structure is, and the condition of your ductwork will all affect how much energy your HVAC system uses. However, the biggest factors in terms of energy efficiency are the type, age, and model of your HVAC units. Here is a quick overview that can help you determine how energy efficient your HVAC is.

Age and Condition of Your HVAC Units

The age and condition of your different HVAC units directly impact energy efficiency in several ways. One reason is that the energy efficiency of all HVAC units tends to slowly decrease the older the unit gets and the more it runs. Annual maintenance is essential in this regard for helping keep your units in good shape and preventing and repairing any issues that could lead to decreased energy efficiency.

The age of your units is also important since the minimum energy-efficiency standards have increased quite a bit in the past years. If you have a system that was installed before 2010, it is virtually guaranteed not to be all that energy efficient, both because of its age and also because the minimum requirements were much lower back then.

Type of HVAC Unit

The type of HVAC unit you have also plays a huge role in how energy efficient it is. For instance, a variable-capacity or a two-speed AC will always be more efficient than a single-speed unit. The same is true when comparing condensing and traditional furnaces, as condensing units are always much more efficient. Similarly, a heat pump will always heat much more efficiently and use less energy overall compared to any type of furnace.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

The easiest way to estimate the energy efficiency of your HVAC units is to look at the manufacturer’s panel on all of your units to determine their energy-efficiency ratings. The energy efficiency of cooling units like air conditioners and heat pumps is measured in Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). If your unit isn’t at least 14 SEER, then it isn’t nearly as efficient as a new unit would be. The same is also true if you have a furnace that is under 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) or a heat pump that’s heating efficiency is under 8.8 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF).

If you have any questions about the energy efficiency of your HVAC system or need any heating or cooling service in the Burbank area, you can trust the experts at Certified Service. We install and service all types of residential and commercial HVAC units, and we also offer solutions for improving your home’s air quality. For more information, contact us today.

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