Energy Efficiency

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 48% of energy use in the average household in the United States. That makes it vital for homeowners to find ways to use their heating and cooling systems more efficiently throughout the year. The more effort you put into improving energy efficiency, the more you can save on utility bills.

We know how important it is for you to keep your family happy and comfortable in your home. But we also recognize the importance of affordable home comfort. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to energy-efficient HVAC in Riverside, CA. Below, you’ll find some expert tips for saving money while keeping your home comfortable as well as some information on purchasing an energy-efficient HVAC system to maximize your energy savings.

5 Ways to Save Money Using Your HVAC System More Efficiently

Optimizing your HVAC system’s energy efficiency starts with the way that you set up your home for optimal HVAC use. We’ve put together a list of simple and affordable ways that you can improve your HVAC system’s energy use by making a few small and practical changes in your home. Use the tips below to save on energy (and utility bills) by using your HVAC system more efficiently:

  1. Increase your thermostat by a few degrees.
    Adjusting your thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your HVAC energy efficiency. Typically, all you need to do is adjust the thermostat by about 5 to 8 degrees to see a significant difference. Turn the thermostat down in winter and up in summer to get your home closer to the temperature outside. Adjust the thermostat before you leave for work, on errands, or during any other time when the home won’t be occupied.

    A smart or programmable thermostat will help make this process easier. It allows you to adjust the thermostat for different days of the week or times of the day to account for the time when you and your family will be out of the house for hours. Making a small investment in a new programmable thermostat can help you save more energy and money over time while keeping your family comfortable during every season.

  2. Use blinds and curtains to keep sunlight at bay.
    When the direct sunlight hits your windows, it can let heat into the room, causing the temperature of your home to increase. During the winter, this can be nice as it warms your home up when the temperatures start to drop. However, during the summer, this will cause your AC to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

    During times of the day when the sun is at its peak, you can work to deflect the heat from your home using blinds and curtains. During the warmer months, you can close the curtains and blinds to keep the heat at bay. During the winter, you can open up the blinds and curtains to let heat into your home, reducing the energy needed to keep your home comfortable.

  3. Clean the outdoor condenser unit.
    If you want your HVAC system to work efficiently, you must keep the system and its parts clean. This includes the outdoor condenser unit. Keep the unit clean and clear of any debris throughout the year to help it run as efficiently as possible. Though you can clean the condenser unit yourself, you will need to call in an HVC technician to provide a more in-depth cleaning.

    Make a habit of checking the outdoor unit periodically to clear any yard debris that may be impacting the unit. Also, be sure to keep up with landscaping, keeping any bushes or plants at least one foot from the outdoor condenser unit. If the unit is hidden with a decorative gate or by some other means, make sure that this shield is not impacting the unit’s function.

  4. Insulate your home.
    Insulation plays an important role in HVAC energy efficiency. Small gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and ductwork can let warm or cool air escape. This makes your HVAC system work harder than it needs to keep your home comfortable. Not only does this decrease your energy efficiency, but it can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your system’s parts.

    By improving your home’s insulation, you can help your HVAC system work more efficiently. Start by sealing any cracks or gaps around doors or windows with caulk. Also, check for areas around electrical outlets as those are often problematic spaces when it comes to insulation. You may even want to call in an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork to see if further insulation is necessary.

  5. Get routine preventative HVAC maintenance
    If you want to keep your HVAC system working efficiently while getting more life out of the unit, you must schedule routine preventative maintenance with an experienced HVAC technician. During the maintenance visit, your tech will make sure that your system and its parts are clean, well-lubricated, and working effectively. The tech will be able to address any issues such as worn parts or malfunctioning systems immediately, saving you from more expensive repairs.

    One of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC system gets the maintenance it needs regularly is to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan. With a preventative maintenance plan, you no longer have to worry about if your system is getting the care it needs. Additionally, these plans help you save money over time by ensuring that your heating and cooling systems are working efficiently.

    6. Call Sheldon's Heating & Air Conditioning’s today to sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan: 877-274-1882.

    Energy Efficient HVAC: What You Need to Know About Buying a New System

    Though there are plenty of small ways that you can work to use your HVAC system more efficiently, the truth is that if your heating and cooling system is older, there is only so much efficiency it can provide. When the time comes to purchase a new HVAC system, you might consider buying a more energy-efficient model that will help you save more money on utility bills over time.

    We know that buying a new HVAC system can be confusing. Many of our customers have a lot of questions about which new system is right for them. It’s understandable. An AC or heater is not something that you buy every day, but it is an important investment. When you’re spending a significant amount of money on a new home appliance, you want to make sure that you are making the right decision for your family’s home comfort.

    That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide explaining some of the factors that you’ll need to know and consider when purchasing an energy-efficient HVAC system in Riverside, CA. We’ll cover some of the terms you should be familiar with as well as what you should look for in an energy-efficient air conditioner or heater.

    What is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)?

    Seasonal energy efficiency ratio rating, or SEER rating, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. This rating represents the cooling output during a standard cooling season divided by the total energy input during that same period.

    When it comes to energy efficiency, the higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency. The minimum SEER rating for air conditioners is 13, and most air conditioning systems today have a SEER between 12 and 21. A new energy-efficient system like the Carrier Infinity HVAC system can get a SEER rating up to 20.5.

    The SEER rating is the maximum efficiency rating, meaning that this is the best possible rating for your HVAC system. It’s much like the average MPG for a vehicle. When the equipment is properly taken care of and used in a typical manner, it can perform at peak efficiency. The efficiency of a system will also depend on several other variables, including the size of your home and the condition of your ductwork.

    What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?

    The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) is an efficiency rating system used for heat pumps. Like the SEER rating, the higher the HSPF rating, the higher the energy efficiency of the heating system. The more energy efficient the heat pump is, the less energy it uses during operation, helping homeowners save more on energy bills over time.

    So, what is a good HSPF rating? Homeowners should look for a heat pump with an HSPF rating between 8 and 10. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awards heat pumps with a rating of at least 8.2 HSPF as ENERGY STAR® certified as long as they also have a SEER rating of 12 or more.

    HVAC Sizing for Your Home

    No matter how energy efficient your new HVAC system is, it will still waste energy if it is not the right size for your space. Some consumers think that a larger system will help their home get more comfortable faster. Other consumers might think that a smaller unit will use less energy while keeping the home comfortable. But neither of these assumptions is true! If your HVAC system is too big or too small for the space it is keeping comfortable, then you are going to waste energy.

    The only way to know for sure what size heating and cooling system you need is to work with a certified HVAC technician that is experienced with new HVAC system installation. After taking into account the size of your home, any energy-saving upgrades that you may have invested in, and whether or not you plan to add zoning, the contractor will be able to determine the proper size for your new system.

    Choose a Trusted Brand

    Yet another consideration that you need to make when purchasing an energy-efficient HVAC system in Riverside, CA is the brand. A new system is a big investment, so you must choose a brand you can trust. You want to purchase a quality HVAC system that you know will keep you comfortable for a decade or longer.

    There is a reason why Carrier is such a popular brand for HVAC. Carrier is a world leader in solutions for heating and air conditioning. Built on a history of innovation and quality products, the Carrier brand offers home comfort solutions for every preference or budget. Whether you are looking for a new air conditioner that’s built to last, the latest and greatest energy-efficient system, or just HVAC accessories that make home comfort easier – Carrier has got you covered.

    If HVAC energy efficiency is high on your list of priorities, consider the Carrier Infinity series of HVAC systems and products. This is the highest efficiency and performance line of products from Carrier. The Infinity series offers SEER ratings between 16 and 21, and the system will last between 10 and 20 years, allowing you to enjoy superior home comfort and energy efficiency for years to come.

    Energy Efficient HVAC Deal: Infinity Tech Package

    Interested in investing in the highest performing system from Carrier? Sheldon's Heating & Air Conditioning makes it easy to get the very best in home comfort technology with the Infinity Tech Package. This complete HVAC home comfort package includes an Infinity air conditioner, gas furnace, system control, and air purifier – providing you the very best in home comfort. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of improving energy savings, but you’ll also be in the driver’s seat when it comes to your home comfort.

    To sweeten the deal, when you purchase a Carrier Infinity HVAC system from Sheldon's Heating & Air Conditioning’s, we will throw in a free Amazon Alexa, smart thermostat, and smart light switches for your home. This deal allows you to get the ultimate home comfort package while also enjoying modern home technologies that make enjoying your living space easier and more convenient.

    Riverside Energy Efficient HVAC

    Attention Riverside, CA homeowners – there’s no better time than now to upgrade your home HVAC system to a more energy-efficient model. The team at Sheldon's Heating & Air Conditioning’s can help you find the best heating and cooling system to meet your preferences and budget. Our professional installation team will ensure that we find the right size unit for your home and provide expert installation so that you can start enjoying the benefits of energy-efficient HVAC in Riverside.

    If you’re ready to experience the best in home comfort and efficiency, give us a call: 877-274-1882.

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