Is Your HVAC System Energy Efficient?
The average American household spends $107.23 on electricity every month. Almost half of this bill is from the energy consumed by your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Malfunctioning HVAC units have to work harder, thus consuming more energy.
HVAC 101
Your home’s heating and cooling system can be classified as central or local. Central means the air is produced in one ‘central’ area then distributed all over the place. Both the warm and cool air are regulated by one thermostat (temperature regulator) and flow through the same distribution line. Local heating or cooling systems produce warm or cool air in the specific area where it is needed.
The HVAC system is composed of 3 major components:
- the temperature regulator
- the source of the warm and cool air
- the distributor
Cooling and Heating
Cooling
The first phase of the entire cooling system starts at the compressor where gas is compressed and heated to reach a high pressure. It then moves towards the evaporation coils which dissipate the heat from the freon gas and condense it into liquid. At the expansion valve, it is turned into a cold, low-pressure freon gas that is distributed all throughout the place to absorb heat. After which, it is pumped back into the compressor and continues in a cycle.
Heating
Central heating systems commonly have a heating appliance such as a heating pump or a furnace located at the basement or garage. A furnace has four components: the burner, the heat exchanger, the blower, and the flue for exhausting the system by-product. Burning fuel produces warm air which passes through the heat exchanger to be heated before distributed through the ducts or pipes.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, operate by moving heat from one location to another, instead of burning fuel. They often have outdoor (condenser) and indoor (evaporator) units. As burning fuel is not required, heat pumps consume less energy, thereby making it energy-efficient.
Tips For Conserving Energy:
- Take advantage of professional HVAC services to keep your system in tip-top condition. A poorly functioning system often brings major problems and unnecessary costs.
- Insulate your home properly. Check your windows and doors for openings that may allow energy to escape. The more efficient your HVAC is, the more money you save!
- If you haven’t hired any HVAC services contractor, you can change the air filters every month to avoid pollutant and dust buildup.
- Your HVAC units are rated through the Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio or SEER system. Remember that the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the product is.
Whatever HVAC services you need, Fuman Heating & Cooling is proud to serve you!
