Innovations in Heating and Cooling
It’s no secret that the engine of your car is most efficient when it’s warm. However, that heat must go somewhere. Radiators are the answer.
A cooling system uses fans, ductwork and refrigerant to distribute air. Heating systems make use of fuel sources such as gasoline or oil to warm the air.
Variable-Speed Technology
Variable speed technology is a major breakthrough in heating and cooling. The technology is utilized by the blower motor in gas furnaces as well as air handlers to operate at different speeds that control airflow throughout your home. This technology is designed to remove hot and cold spots, and also enhance dehumidification during those hot southern summers.
The concept behind variable-speed technology is to match the output of your system to your home’s energy needs. For instance, the majority of people don’t want to drive with only a single gear, instead choosing to shift gears in accordance with the requirements of their vehicle and the road conditions. The same concept applies in your home. Variable speed systems provide homeowners and contractors with a myriad of advantages, including savings on energy costs, lower noise levels, improved indoor air quality, and the potential for utility company rebates.
The variable-speed technology allows your system to perform more efficiently in low load conditions. This is because traditional systems work with a set temperature, attaining the desired temperature and then cycling off. If the temperature in your home increases then the system turns on again to reach your desired temperature. This continuous cycling uses a lot more energy since the unit is restarting at full capacity.
With a variable-speed system, the compressor runs at less than full capacity for extended periods of time and expends less energy. Your system can save you up to 30% on energy costs.
Variable speed technology can be used in conjunction with other energy efficiency improvements such as zoning systems and smart controls to increase your system’s overall efficiency and performance. Consult our team of experts to determine if a system with variable speed technology and Greenspeed Intelligence is the right choice for your home.
We can assist you in making the best decision for your home, by explaining the benefits of a system using variable-speed technology and how it can be used with other energy-efficient products to give you the best results. Our licensed HVAC professionals can help you navigate the process of selecting the best system for your home. Call us today to find out more about our innovative Carrier-backed variable speed cooling and heating system.
Wi-Fi(r) Controls
Wireless smart thermostats let homeowners to have greater control over their HVAC systems, while also reducing energy costs and enhancing comfort. These thermostats utilize wireless technology to communicate via a smartphone app or computer, allowing homeowners to control and regulate the temperature of their home remotely. Depending on the model they can also recognize patterns of household behavior and automatically change schedules to reduce energy consumption when there is no one home or maximize comfort when residents are home.
Smart thermostats allow you to monitor your system at all times. They can tell when you are away from home and enter an energy-saving “Away” mode to save on your electricity bills. Then, once you are back at home they will switch back to the regular ‘Home’ setting for optimal comfort.
The Wi-Fi(r), controls are more sophisticated than traditional thermostats that can be programmed and come with additional convenience features such as email notifications, remote system monitoring and a custom web portal that displays like your thermostat. They also let you control multiple zones from the same device. These are great for managing a rental or vacation home from far away.
A programmable thermostat can be programmed to adjust the temperature in different times of the day to ensure the best comfort for homeowners as well as renters. With busy schedules, kids’ activities and meetings at work it can be a challenge to keep up with the schedule of a thermostat that is programmable. A smart thermostat with a built-in sensor tracks room occupancy, indoor and outdoor temperatures, and humidity to monitor the current conditions. It also monitors your energy consumption to determine if cooling or heating is required and makes adjustments accordingly.
The Wi-Fi(r) control’s sensors and smart programming could significantly reduce your home energy consumption by 10 percent or more. They will not only lower your energy bills, but also lower your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.
Energy START(r) Certification
ENERGY STAR is one of the most well-known and recognized labels in the country. It’s the little blue label that you see on your light bulbs, refrigerators and other appliances. When you purchase items bearing the ENERGY STAR logo, you are assured that they’ve been independently tested and certified to meet stringent energy efficiency specifications and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The same standards that apply to specific products can be applied to whole buildings. To earn the ENERGY STAR certification buildings must show at least 15% more performance than the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 (or the state building code under which it is allowed). The performance target is determined by a variety of factors that affect energy consumption such as weather conditions and occupancy. It also takes into consideration the size and nature of cooling and heating systems.
A building must be independently checked by a HERS Rater before it can qualify for Energy STAR Certification. The HERS Rater checks the insulation, air barrier, and HVAC equipment in a home to ensure they have been installed and sized correctly. The Rater conducts thorough inspections of the ducts and ventilation.
All of these steps are designed to help the homeowner save money and energy while also protecting their health and the environment. This makes the ENERGY STAR an excellent way to add value for any home or apartment. Research has shown that ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments are usually sold or rented at higher prices than those that do not have the certification.
Buildings that are certified by ENERGY START are not only more energy efficient, but they also have lower operating costs. They are also more comfortable to live in and consume less energy. In turn, the EPA estimates that ENERGY homes that are ENERGY STAR certified save Americans over $39 billion in energy costs each year.
High-Efficiency Systems
A high-efficiency HVAC is more than a way to cut down on your energy costs. It can also aid the environment and cut down on carbon emissions. High-efficiency systems consume as much as 1/3 less energy than older models, resulting in lower utility bills and significant energy savings. High-efficiency systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize non-toxic, ozone-friendly refrigerants.
It may cost more to install a new high-efficiency, high-efficiency system than a previous model. However, it will be able to pay for itself over time through lower cost of energy and maintenance. It could also boost the value of your home which makes it easier to resell.
High-efficiency systems can provide a wide range of benefits, including increased comfort, less noise and improved indoor air. For instance, the latest filters remove more harmful pollutants from the air. The systems can improve the comfort of occupants by providing precise temperature control, eliminating cold or hot patches.
Heating and cooling account for about 45% of the energy consumed by the average household. Installing a new HVAC system with a more efficient unit will begin saving energy costs from the first bill you receive. It is easy to find an Carrier furnace or AC that meets your requirements by determining the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit is.
Modern energy-efficient systems are capable of converting up to 98 percent of the energy generated by the fuel source directly into heat for your home. This is a huge improvement over conventional furnaces that operate at just 80% AFUE, wasting 35% of the fuel they burn.
High-efficiency units use less energy and produce less greenhouse gases than earlier models, which helps to conserve the earth. They can also use nontoxic refrigerants which eliminates the need to create chemical products that damage the ozone. By incorporating high-efficiency systems into green construction projects, builders, contractors and owners can reduce their environmental impact. These systems can also help reduce the cost of construction, making it a smart investment both for builders and building occupants.