Heating and Cooling: Energy Saving

Homeowners expect their heating and cooling systems to keep them comfortable without breaking the bank. The more energy efficient your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are, the less they cost to run, and the lower your heating and cooling bills might be. Call Bell Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for a Denver HVAC technician.

Buying New Heating and Cooling Equipment

Shop for efficiency. An EnergyGuide label tells you how much energy a product uses and how it compares to similar models. An Energy Star logo means the product meets certain energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and DOE. ENERGY STAR qualified heating equipment can be up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models.

Benefits of Energy Star Qualified Systems

1. Lower Utility Bills. ENERGY STAR qualified heating systems are designed to use less energy than standard systems. When properly installed, these heating systems can save money on utility bills.
2. Less Risk of Air Quality Problems. ENERGY STAR qualified gas-fired boilers and furnaces are designed to reduce the risk of back-drafting dangerous carbon monoxide exhaust into the home.
3. Increased Durability. Most ENERGY STAR qualified boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps employ advanced technologies and high-quality components, often resulting in longer equipment life and longer warranties compared to standard models.
4. Tax Rebates. Current tax credits are available with up to $2,000 on a qualified HVAC installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment.

When you get a complimentary heating or cooling replacement estimate from the Denver heating experts at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, you’ll receive pricing that compares various models based on their energy ratings. It’s important to not only purchase equipment based on energy rating, but also the right-sized equipment for your home and family. Oversized or undersized equipment could cost you money in initial costs, too much fan power, and the level of work it requires to produce even heat or cool conditions.

Proper Installation

1. Proper installation of heating equipment can have a big impact on performance. Look for heating equipment to be installed according to best practices, including:
   • Proper Heating System Sizing
   • Load calculations
2. Proper Equipment Placement. The best location for air-handling equipment and ducts is inside the conditioned space of the home (as opposed to an unconditioned garage or attic) to minimize exposure to harsh conditions. Outdoor compressors should be positioned to minimize direct sun exposure while allowing plenty of room for air to flow around the units.
3. Correct Airflow. The airflow and duct leakage should be tested and airflow adjusted as necessary to improve operating efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.

What if I’m Not Ready for New Equipment?

You can still save money by keeping your equipment in good shape through annual tune-ups and regular filter replacements. Each year that a furnace misses its maintenance appointment, it can lose on average, 5% of its efficiency. If as little as 1/10th of an inch of dust accumulates on your blower wheel, it can reduce your furnace’s efficiency by 20%! If you need to schedule Denver air conditioning installation or Denver heater installation, call Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling today!

RECOMMENDED READING

• Tips on Updating Your Heating System in Denver
• How To Tell If You Need a New Heating System
• How To Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter