Like most homeowners, you want to do your part to reduce energy consumption and the production of greenhouse gas. Not only is this good for the environment, it is also good for your budget because energy-efficient products will wind up saving you money. You may have seen Energy Star labels when considering what kind of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment to install in your home, and wondered just how these kinds of products will affect energy efficiency.
Energy Star is a voluntary rating program that was set up by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is designed to help homeowners and business owners do their part to avoid global warming by using more energy-efficient products. To qualify for an Energy Star label, products must undergo third party testing in EPA-qualified laboratories.
Air Conditioning
The newest models of air conditioning equipment will be more energy efficient than older models, so if you are not sure about how old the system is (such as if it was installed by the previous owner), you will want to consider installing a more efficient system after consulting with a professionally trained HVAC technician.
According to the EPA, an Energy Star certified central air conditioner will have a much higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio and energy efficiency ratio, resulting in them being at least 15% more efficient than older, traditional models.
Furnaces
The EPA recognizes that different parts of the country will have varying heating requirements. That's why Energy Star certified furnaces will have a special "U.S. South" Energy Star logo when you are buying them for use in Florida. Certified furnaces are designed to give you as much as 12% greater efficiency than standard furnaces.
Ventilation Fans
Ventilation fans are excellent for moving air around in your home and supplement the cooling effects of your HVAC system. You can get more efficiency out of your fan when you select a model that has an Energy Star rating. The EPA notes that fans with Energy Star certification not only run more efficiently, they produce less noise. They also use improved motor and blade design for higher performance, which makes them last longer while lowering your energy usage and utility costs.
Ductless Cooling and Heating Systems
You're familiar with the traditional HVAC system that uses ducts to move air throughout the house via vents. People who are looking for a more energy efficient delivery system often find that a ductless heating and cooling system is their best option.
A ductless system delivers the conditioned air to specific zones in your house rather than pushing it through a series of ducts first. The EPA notes that 20% of heated and cooled air is lost through leaks in traditional ducts for HVAC systems, so switching to a ductless zone system gives you greater energy efficiency.
At David Gray Heating & Air, our knowledgeable professionals have experience in helping our customers in the greater Jacksonville, FL area and beyond learn about and select energy-efficient, Energy Star products. For more information on how Energy Star equipment enable you to lower your utility bills while also protecting the environment, please contact the experts at David Gray Heating & Air today.