Looking for ways to save the earth and your paycheck? Upgrading older heating and air conditioning units offers an array of opportunity…
Have You Taken Advantage Of State & Local Incentives For Energy Efficient Home Improvements?
Though federal tax incentives currently only offer deductions for projects involving solar energy, many states offer incentives to help homeowners make upgrades that protect the environment and reduce energy consumption and costs. How can you determine incentives available in your area?
- The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Energy Incentive Program
A great resource for finding energy efficiency incentives by state. - DSIRE
A geographical overview of incentives and policies by state – one of the most comprehensive resources on the web! - Your Utilities Provider
Electric, gas, and water providers commonly offer incentives and rebates to support the upgrade to devices that utilize less resources. These may include demand-response programs, in which utility usage during periods of low-demand are discounted, as well as load management programs, in which small devices can be installed on key appliances allowing your service provider to cycle on/off these devices during periods of high-demand. - Your Local HVAC Contractor
Your local HVAC contractor may also know about available rebates and incentives available in your area, including manufacturer mail-in rebate offers.
Look To The Energy Star Logo For Enhanced Savings
The most likely appliance candidates for rebates and incentives typically sport the Energy Star logo. These systems offer higher SEER ratings – a measure of the efficiency of a system – than their non-logo-bearing counterparts. The minimum required by law today is 14 SEER. To ensure peak performance and savings, a minimum of 16 SEER is recommended – though 20 SEER systems are commonly available. With ductless ‘mini-split’ systems, SEER can reach over 25! Remember: SEER means savings. Learn more about Energy Star ratings for heating and cooling systems from H&H.
Other Ideas for Cutting HVAC Costs:
In addition to Energy Star and SEER ratings, there are even more ways you can get rewarded by a more efficient system:
- Make Sure Your System is Properly Sized
System size isn’t based solely on square footage, but the precise calculation of a number of factors including the layout of your home and its thermal envelope. Too large or small, and you could suffer up to a 30% loss in performance. - Check Ductwork for Leaks
Leaky ductwork can rob you of performance up to 30%. Don’t pay to heat/cool your attic or crawlspace. Keep conditioned air contained! - Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Still paying to heat/cool your home while you’re away at work? Put a smart programmable thermostat to work for you! - Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Changing your air filter every 2-3 months (or sooner) ensures peak performance. Why? Dirty, clogged filters inhibit air circulation, forcing your system to work harder. - Schedule Routine Maintenance
Regular, professional maintenance including coil cleaning and the verification of refrigerant levels, thermostat and system operation. Scheduling in the spring and the fall, before peak cooling/heating demand, ensures optimum performance.
Air conditioning service & repair costs getting out of control? It’s time for an upgrade. Reinvest your money into a more efficient system. Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.
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