HVAC Efficiency

Published by: Elizabeth Gormley
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

There are several ways to modernize the heating, ventilation or air conditioning systems in your Connecticut or Westchester County, NY, home.  Doing so is a worthwhile investment.  You can save a bundle on energy bills and conserve general power usage in the process.  Before you upgrade, it is important to consider how you can reduce overall output in your home.  Using the minimum is imperative to all-around saving.  This means, do not use oversized systems for the space you occupy.
   
Demand Sensors
Demand-controlled ventilation systems work by measuring occupancy.  This used to mean estimating the number of people in a given space.  Today, demand-controlled systems actually measure the amount of carbon dioxide present, which is the gas that people exhale.  Ventilated air is regulated precisely, controlled and treated as needed.
   
Multiple Zone Usage
Zones are sections that you may desire to control differently.  If you divide your home into zones, you can minimize mistakes and be precise about how warm or cool you want a given area to be.  The zones can be controlled from a centralized point, like a single thermostat. 
   
Programmable Thermostats
Specialized, efficient, and user-friendly, most programmable thermostats have pushbuttons, digital displays, and timers.  Year-round, night or day, you can easily control the temperateness of your home.  Many programmable thermostats have the option of installing the use of a remote control, through a telephone, computer, or security system.  Programmable thermostats are extremely accurate, and range from $50 to $200.
   
Heat Pump
A heat pump is a unique system that heats in the winter and cools in the summer, some without burning fossil fuels, using only electricity.  Some are hybrid systems that use either electricity or fuel, with sensors that determine and use automatically whichever is most efficient.
   
Believe it or not, a simple humidifier can work wonders in saving you energy.  A humidifier creates warm coziness in the winter, and eases the affects of hot, dry air in the summer.  Modern humidifiers can be attached to a furnace and programmed to shut off when a certain degree of air moisture is reached. 

On the opposite end, evaporative coolers reduce humidity in tropical-like climates, where oppressive moisture hangs in the air.
   
Regardless of your HVAC system, there are simple measures you can take, such as shutting out sunlight to reduce heat, and keeping doors closed for maximum zone-efficiency.  With each turn of the seasons, it is wise to have an HVAC technician tune up and refresh the system you will be utilizing.  Belts should be tightened, refrigerant level checked, as well as overall parts efficiency.  As a homeowner, familiarize yourself with your HVAC systems and learn how to clean ducts and replace filters, faulty valves, and steam traps.  This simple maintenance eases the stress on fans.  Keep and eye out for leaks, because this is a fast way to poor HVAC performance, hence, higher bills and less effective systems.

Find an HVAC technician in Connecticut and Westchester County, NY, by contacting us today!

View All Heating & Cooling Articles