1/24/2012
Your home’s heating and cooling system is essential to maintaining indoor comfort throughout the year. But are you paying more than you should be to heat and cool your home? Inefficient heating and air conditioning systems can drive up your monthly utility bills, and are a huge waste of energy. Here are some signs that your heating and cooling system could be running more efficiently.
1. Humidity Levels in the Home
Your home’s humidity is greatly affected by heating and cooling efficiency. Furnaces and air conditioners that are oversized for your home will use up a lot of energy, but won’t run for long enough. This causes moisture to buildup throughout the home, which can inflame allergies and promote mold growth.
2. Annual Electricity Costs
Compare your current heating and cooling costs to previous years’. If your utility rates haven’t changed but your heating or cooling bills have increased significantly, then you may be dealing with some heating and cooling inefficiencies.
3. Check Your Maintenance Schedule
Furnaces and air conditioners require regular maintenance to ensure efficient heating and cooling. If you haven’t had a heating or cooling professional inspect or maintain your HVAC system recently, then you’re probably paying more than you should every month.
4. Find your SEER and AFUE Numbers
Heating and cooling systems use special numbers to describe their energy efficiency. Heating units have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) number, while air conditioners have SEER numbers. AFUE numbers can be read like percentages, and SEER numbers start at 12 (the federal minimum) and go up. The higher each number is, the better.
For help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling system is, contact Ace Plumbing. We provide expert HVAC repair and installation services throughout the Sacramento area. Visit us online or call (916) 455-4548 for more information on our heating and cooling services.