3 Signs That Your Heating and Cooling System is Energy Efficient

Heating and cooling systems account for nearly half of the energy use in a typical U.S. home. If you're looking to make your home more energy-efficient, it's important to know which heating and cooling system is right for you. Here are five signs that your heating and cooling system is energy efficient. 

How to tell if your HVAC unit is energy efficient

1. Your system is properly sized for your home
2. Your system has a high SEER rating
3. Your system is properly maintained
4. BONUS: Your system has a variable speed compressor
5. BONUS: Your system is ductless

Your system is properly sized for your home

It is important to have the correct sized hvac unit for your home. If it is too small, it will not be able to keep your home cool in the summer and if it is too large, it will waste energy and money. You can tell if your system is properly sized by looking for these three signs: 

The first sign that your system is properly sized is that it cools your home quickly. If you turn on the air conditioning and within minutes, your home feels comfortable, then your system is likely the right size. If it takes a long time for the house to get cool, then the unit may be too small. 

The second sign that your system is properly sized is that you do not have to set the thermostat very high in order for the unit to work well.

Your system has a high SEER rating

When it comes to cooling your home, there is no greater comfort than knowing you have a high SEER rating system. A system with a high SEER rating will ensure you stay comfortable all summer long while using less energy. 

The SEER rating of a unit is the measure of how efficiently it cools your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit is and the more money you'll save on your energy bill. A high SEER rating is a sign of a quality cooling system and is something to look for when shopping for a new hvac unit. 

According to Trane, “The minimum standard SEER rating is 13 for air conditioners. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER that ranges from 13 to 21. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners must have a SEER rating of 14.5 to qualify.”

If you're looking to upgrade your old, outdated cooling system, be sure to consider a unit with a high SEER rating. Not only will you stay comfortable all summer long, but you'll also be doing your part to help conserve energy and save money.

Your system is properly maintained

When it comes to the efficiency of your home's cooling system, proper maintenance is key. Neglecting necessary upkeep can affect your unit's performance, resulting in decreased energy efficiency and costing you more money in the long run. Fortunately, keeping your system properly maintained is not a difficult task; it just takes a bit of regular attention.

The best way to maintain your cooling system is to schedule annual checkups with a qualified technician. During these checkups, the technician will clean and tune up your unit, ensuring that it runs at peak efficiency. Additionally, they will inspect all of the components for signs of wear and tear, addressing any issues before they become bigger problems.

In addition to annual checkups, there are a few things you can do on a regular basis to help keep your cooling system running smoothly.

BONUS: Your system has a variable speed compressor

A variable speed compressor is a type of compressor that can change its speed to meet the needs of the system it is working with. This allows for better control over the process and can save energy. Since variable speed compressors run at different speeds depending on the load, it can save energy and extend the life of your equipment. If your system is more than 10 years old, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model with a variable speed compressor. However, the money saved on the power bill may not be worth it for older homes as this could be a very expensive initially for the upgraded unit. We recommend looking for a model with a variable speed compressor if you are installing a new unit in a new construction home that is up to today’s codes.

How to check if your unit has a single stage compressor or a variable speed compressor

Check your unit model by looking at the nameplate, a white sticker located on a metal plate on the side of the unit, near the electrical lines running to your home. The model number will be labeled something along the lines of, “MODEL”, “MODEL NO.”, “MOD NO.”, or “M/N”. 

Search your unit model online and look at the technical specifications. You will be able to find the compressor type under the “Compressor” section. 

BONUS: Your system is ductless

Ductless systems are more energy efficient than traditional cooling systems and can be more cost effective in the long run. They also don't require any duct work, making them a good option for homes without existing ducts.

If you're in the market for a new cooling system, you may want to consider a ductless system. Though a ductless option can help you save on your power bill, this can be very expensive up front cost for customers upgrading an existing system on an older home. We recommend this only on new construction that is up to today’s codes. 

Conclusion

There are several ways to tell if your HVAC unit is energy efficient. One way is to make sure that your system is properly sized for your home. You can also check the SEER rating of your system. All of these factors can help you save money on your energy bill. In addition, it's important to make sure that your system is properly maintained. A well-maintained HVAC unit will run more efficiently and will last longer.

Another way is to make sure that your system has a variable speed compressor. Finally, you can make sure that your system is ductless.

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Related Questions

What does SEER stand for?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating

What is a variable speed compressor?

A compressor is a device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. Compressors are used in a variety of applications, including air conditioning, refrigeration, and transportation. There are many different types of compressors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

One type of compressor is the variable speed compressor. A variable speed compressor can be adjusted to match the needs of the application. This allows for greater efficiency and reduced energy costs.

What is the difference between a ductless system and a regular ducted system?

A ductless system is a type of heating and cooling system that doesn't require ductwork. Instead, the system uses small, individual air handlers to deliver conditioned air directly into each room. This type of system is ideal for homes without existing ductwork, or for homes that need to add cooling to a specific room. A regular ducted AC system uses a central air handler to distribute conditioned air through ducts to different rooms in the home.