Understanding The Types Of HVAC Systems And Their Energy Efficiency

If you’re in the midst of home improvements, now is an ideal time to evaluate your HVAC system. HVAC units are major power consumers and account for a significant portion of household electricity use. To boost your home’s efficiency and reduce your electric bill, consider upgrading your heating and air conditioning system.

Newer heating and air conditioning systems provide many services and come in many forms, including single-stage and multi-stage varieties and zoned types. There are also humidity-controlling devices available and many other options to choose from for retrofitting your HVAC system.

Heating systems

Heating systems can be categorized into three types: furnaces that heat air distributed through ductwork, boilers that heat water for steam radiators, and forced water systems with baseboard radiators. Among these, furnaces are the most popular choice.

When looking into a heating system, pay attention to the Energy Star and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings. Good heating systems can achieve efficiency ratings above 80 or 90 percent. There are even some all-electric furnaces with 95 to 100 percent efficiency ratings. However, these units could drive up your electricity bill and are not economical in all climates.

Air conditioning systems

Air conditioning units are available in various styles to suit different climates. In colder regions, small portable window AC units are popular, often installed during the summer and removed in the winter. In contrast, people in warmer climates typically use large central air systems. Modern air conditioners are significantly more efficient, consuming 30 to 50 percent less energy than similar models from the 1970s.

When purchasing an air conditioning system, take note of the SEER number. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system. You will also want to pay attention to the Energy Star rating and EER, which indicate how efficiently the system operates at peak capacity.

Single and multi-stage HVAC systems

HVAC systems can either be single or multi-stage. Single-stage systems are common in winter climates and humid areas. These machines need to operate at peak cooling and heating power for many months of the year. Because of this, single-stage units are designed to be to run at full strength for as long as possible.

Single-stage HVAC systems keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but they run at high power even during mild weather. Multi-stage HVAC systems are useful because they allow you to take advantage of variable fan speeds to control the airflow. You can increase airflow during very harsh days and reduce it on milder days.

Zoned HVAC systems

Zoned systems represent a breakthrough in heating and cooling efficiency. These units can selectively control the temperature in individual rooms through a network of valves or dampers within the ductwork. By heating or cooling only the occupied spaces, zoned systems can significantly reduce energy waste and save you a substantial amount of money.

Humidity control

Dry air is a common problem in arid climates and homes that experience extreme winter seasons. HVAC systems in these areas often pull the moisture out of the air. Because of the drier air, many people experience bloody noses, dry skin, and other health issues. To combat these, some HVAC systems come equipped with humidifiers. In areas with too much moisture, dehumidifiers can be built into HVAC systems.

Retrofitting your HVAC system

If you are unable to purchase an entirely new HVAC system, don’t let that stop you from upgrading. There are plenty of retrofits you can apply to existing systems to save money. For example, you can add vent dampers to gas and oil-fired boilers to help stop air loss. Also, if you have an older air conditioning system, you can replace the outdoor compressor with an updated model.

If you would like to learn more about HVAC systems, contact the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. in Amarillo Texas today. We provide residential, commercial, and industrial services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area. Call us today at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email for more information. You can also stop by our location at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo, Texas.