If you're in the market for new heating and air conditioning appliances, here are a few factors you should consider: Energy efficiency, Size, Repairs, and Cost. Once you know these details, you can select the best heating and cooling system for your home. If you're not sure what to look for, you can also use our HVAC appliance guide to find the best option for your budget. We'll walk you through each feature and answer your questions. Energy efficiency In order to cut energy bills and help the environment, new buildings are required to meet strict standards for energy efficiency. In order to achieve these goals, building envelopes are designed to last for many years. In contrast, appliances and building equipment need to be replaced every 15 years. This provides an excellent opportunity for manufacturers and consumers to make their buildings more energy efficient. These new regulations are bipartisan, and they aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The standards are expected to save a combined total of 128 quads of energy by 2030. In 2010, the U.S. consumed about 100 quads of energy per year. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires appliance manufacturers to meet certain standards for energy efficiency. In the United States, 15 states have energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment. Building codes and utilities are other ways to achieve energy efficiency. Additionally, industry promotion and award programs are another way to help consumers save energy. ENERGY STAR is an award program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and DOE. This program recognizes energy-efficient products that meet or exceed these standards. Size The size of your HVAC appliances is critical to maintaining the comfort of your home. An undersized system will have to work overtime to maintain the desired temperature of the room, and it will eventually wear out prematurely. An oversized unit will waste energy and money by wasting electricity and energy-related costs. To determine the size of your HVAC appliances, calculate your energy usage. You will need to determine how many tons of AC or heating you need and how many heating units you need. A properly sized HVAC system will save you money on energy costs and prevent high temperature swings, even in warm weather. If you are unsure of the size you need, ask an HVAC professional to help you calculate the BTU capacity of your system. It is often difficult to determine the exact amount of energy your current HVAC system will consume, and you may end up with an undersized unit. HVAC contractors use a process called load calculation to determine the correct size for your home. A properly sized system will use less energy and run more efficiently. Repairs Home warranty plans are one way to get coverage for repairs on your HVAC appliances. These plans typically cover repairs for 1 year, with an annual premium. Some home warranties cover routine maintenance as well. Schedule routine maintenance so that you can catch small issues before they get out of control. If something does go wrong, you can file a claim online. If your appliance is not covered by your warranty, you should research your options. Fortunately, most warranty plans cover repairs for both heating and cooling systems, as well as routine maintenance. While you wait for your repair, you can clean out the condenser using a brush attachment. Also, clean any obstructions that may have built up inside of it. In addition to cleaning, be sure to set the thermostat in heating or cooling mode, and check all electrical connections. Then, wait for the repair service to come out. If you can't wait for the repairman, you can also turn your AC on a continuous setting while you wait. Cost If you're a new homeowner and are wondering how to get the best deal on HVAC appliances, it's important to know the different costs associated with the different parts of the HVAC system. While you may not be able to avoid repairs altogether, there are a few common costs associated with HVAC appliances. Routine maintenance is a common expense, and HVAC companies typically offer this type of service at a reasonable price. A maintenance visit may only take an hour or two, and the technician will check the main components of your system. Depending on the type of service you choose, you should expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200 for this service. Among the most common costs associated with HVAC appliances, installation is the most expensive part. An average residential system costs anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000, while new HVAC installation may cost as much as $12,000 or more. In addition, ductwork replacement can cost anywhere from $20 to 65 per square foot, and can easily add up to a few thousand dollars depending on the size of your house. Regardless of which appliance you choose, make sure you have the budget for the entire job. Comments are closed.
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