Keeping your home energy-efficient begins with maintaining fundamental components of your home and investing in the right improvements. Heating and air conditioning expert Anderson Air Corps shares how you can keep your home energy-efficient.
Energy Envelope
An energy envelope is the enclosure consisting of your roof, the exterior walls and everything installed on them: windows, entry doors and skylights. Each component has to have sufficient insulation to prevent heat from conducting from one side to the other, thus minimizing heat loss on cold days and heat gain on warm days.
To maintain energy efficiency, insulation issues must first be addressed. Drafts and cold spots usually mean “holes” in the insulation that allow heat leaks. Windows, in particular, need to have insulated frames and sashes. Insulated glazing usually comes with two or more glass panels and various types of coatings to minimize heat conduction. Likewise, attic insulation helps minimize roofing problems caused by indoor vs. outdoor temperature differences.
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems
Once you’ve dealt with insulation issues, you should see a marked improvement in your daily use of your heating and cooling systems. In fact, you should be able to reduce your HVAC system’s output without feeling any discomfort. You can further improve HVAC performance by using ceiling or freestanding fans to improve air circulation, and also by investing in a programmable thermostat.
If your home is heated using a furnace, keep an eye on its AFUE rating. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating measures furnace or boiler efficiency in converting fuel to heat; the higher the rating, the less fuel is wasted. For example, a 90% AFUE rating means that for every dollar you spend on fuel, 10 cents is converted to soot and other waste byproducts. Keeping your furnace well-maintained or upgrading to a more efficient heating system can lead to substantial long-term energy savings.
Call Anderson Air Corps
To learn more about energy-efficient HVAC systems, call your heating and refrigerated air expert in Albuquerque, Anderson Air Corps, today at (505) 855-9028. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We offer financing solutions for HVAC repair and replacement.
