Installing a new system in your home doesn’t sound like a good time. Why waste your time with a brand new installation when you could instead opt for a simple repair or even attempt a fix yourself? Heating and air conditioning can cause people to search for other options in an attempt to save money and still provide their home with enough comfort to stay strong through the winter. What if you could do both and actually save money in the long-term? While your home may not need a brand new installation, it doesn’t hurt to do a little refresher to better prepare for the snow about to hit your front porch.
The tips below, from maintenance to budgeting, will help you figure out where you stand when it comes to heating and air conditioning.
Quick Facts
Let’s see where you stand on these quick facts. The most popular form of heating and cooling are air conditioners, with an estimated two-thirds of all American homes having a central air conditioner in place. The most common source of heating fuel, to boot, is natural gas and is used in nearly 60% of American homes. Typical energy use can reach 45% or higher depending on the age of the system and the severity of the seasons. Every year air conditioners will cost American homeowners a collective $11 billion.
Boiler, Furnace Or HVAC
What is your primary source of heating? This is a great place to start because each method of heating and cooling has its ups and downs. Boilers last for around 15 to 30 years, while furnaces have a shorter lifespan of 15 to 18 years on average. While an HVAC system can last for a good decade and still hold strong, many professionals recommend you start looking into replacements once you start to go over. Heating and air conditioning is a common element in our lives. That doesn’t mean we should neglect upkeep, however.
Compare And Contrast Your Models
The bar for heating and air conditioning is raised little by little every year. This is great for homeowners who want to do less work when reaching out to companies for a better deal than what they’re getting with out-of-date furnaces and boilers. The lowest possible efficiency allowed (by law, no less) for new gas furnaces is just under 80%. Some models will even reach an efficiency of nearly 98%. Air conditioning services can better clue you in to which heating and cooling systems are all the rage on the market.
Maintenance For Filters, Duct Losses And More
What can regular maintenance do for your home? Checking small problems before they become major hassles, for one. Duct losses account for well over 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning. This can be avoided entirely with ductless mini split cooling and heating systems, though this isn’t the only issue that could see you losing money. Filters should be replaced in your air conditioning system every one to three months to keep your air clean. All in all, regular maintenance will make sure your system is always running smoothly.
Choosing A Contractor
When in doubt, a heating and air conditioning contractor can help you with any questions or concerns you have about your furnace, boiler or HVAC system. They can determine whether or not you need a repair or should take the plunge for a brand new installation. Switching to a high-efficiency air conditioner (as well as taking other energy conserving actions around the home) can do wonders for lowering your energy bill while keeping you warm. Buy a programmable thermostat this year and reach out to your local heating and air conditioning company. You may just find yourself having your best winter yet.