The not-so-good news is that we still have a few more weeks of winter. There will still be a chance of very cold nights or when that will drive the wind chill factor down. Yet, a homeowner still can do a little energy-efficient work in the house that will allow for better use of heat. The good news is this kind of maintenance isn’t all that expensive. Therefore, let’s take getting better heat efficiency in the cold months.
Do the Easy Things
Greater energy efficiency may achieve just by changing the furnace filters. A homeowner may want to consider using a permanent filter to insert disposable ones. The difference is that an electrostatic filter can trap twice as much dirt as a disposable fiberglass one. Ceiling fans can circulate warm air simply moving switched to running clockwise, and that brings the warm air down into the living space from the ceiling. Recommend tune-ups and it is possible that the local public utility will provide a free annual checkup. There may be a few appointment openings left, and make sense just to call and find out. Window insulation is a buffer against drafts and a kit is easy to buy at the local hardware store.
Consider Some Routine Maintenance
Putting insulation in the attics encourages efficiency. The ductwork may need to be sealed and cleaned so that less energy is used to create heat. Putting in a programmable thermostat will also help maintain the right level of temperature at a reasonable cost. Some other home improvements may need the assistance of an HVAC contractor. Those who are certified through the ENERGY STAR program are proficient in improving the use of energy in the house. They can provide not just assistance but also advice on how to further economize on energy during the winter months.
Winter will soon be over and it will not be as much need for heat. Just a few tweaks can the house be a little bit more energy efficient as the colder months draw to a close. There is no need to waste a lot of energy keeping the house comfortable. Some minor adjustments can provide all the work that is necessary and conserve energy at the same time.
Modern consumers are looking for a way to not only reduce the number of carbon emissions but also to have needed energy at a reasonable price. The house still needs to be warmed and cooled properly. And simply opening or closing a window is not a sufficient replacement for the old fossil-burning furnace. Technology has advanced and HVAC systems can offer alternatives that use little or no carbon-based fuel. Geothermal heat pumps can provide both the heat and cool air that are necessary to keep the house comfortable.
The Mechanics of Geothermal Heat Pumps
The geothermal system moves heat through liquid fill pipes buried in the ground. Below the surface, the temperature of the earth is somewhere around 50°F. Geothermal heat pumps will take this heat from out of the ground through the pipes and process it either for cooling air or for heating purposes. A major benefit is that the amount of electricity needed for the geothermal heat pump to work is a fraction of what a standard heat pump would need. This type of HVAC equipment ordinarily comes with warranties of up to 10 years, and the lifespan is much more. Overall, they were considered much more energy-efficient than standard air-conditioners or gas furnaces.
Something to Keep In Mind
Geothermal heat pumps will ultimately pay for themselves and more, but the installment will require hundreds of feet of piping to buried deep in the soil. Soil conditions will influence the overall cost of installation. And small lots will require drilling hundreds of feet straight down to reach the heat source. The cost overall is fairly high. The homeowner should expect to pay as much as $20,000 or more for a geothermal heat pump. All this understood these heat pumps will pay for themselves over a period of time. Substantially reduce utility bills, and the carbon emission created by geothermal heat pumps is almost nil. This is definitely an option for those people who have a great concern about carbon emission. And are willing to pay for installation.
There is certainly a lot of talk about energy efficiency, whether it’s the media or friends in a coffeehouse. Always have a discussion of some sort about how to get require heat and cooling without having carbon emission. Heat pumps are referred to all the time but aren’t always explained. Before any homeowner does a home improvement, it’s a good idea to know how HVAC appliances work. Therefore, consider the workings of a heat pump.
Taking from the outside and Putting It inside
Heat pumps work in a very unique way. It may seem odd to take the hot air out of the environment and put it indoors. To cool the air needs in warmer months, a heat pump will do that and use refrigerant. What is great about heat pumps is that they do not require nearly as much energy. Because it uses electricity, the carbon emission and use of fossil fuel is a fraction of conventional HVAC equipment. Best of all, depending on the type of heat pump to install, there are certain tax incentives and rebates available. Heat pumps are not necessarily inexpensive, but they will provide savings on the utility bills for many years after installation.
The Right Type of Heat Pump
A standard heat pump works very well in mild climates. But in those areas where winter weather consistently falls below freezing, you will need a backup heating system. Geothermal heat pumps are best to serve in colder states. The homeowner has to remember that a lot depends on the size of the property lot and the condition of the soil. If the lot is too small or the soil is too rocky, the installation of the geothermal heat pump will cost a fair amount. It cannot be denied that heat pumps provide the right amount of heat and cooling air at a very reasonable price. Heat pumps also reduce the amount of carbon emission into the environment, and that is certainly a public good.
Installing a heat pump is a positive step in the direction towards energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Heat pumps operate with minimal carbon emissions and have been known to decrease utility bills by double-digit percentages. This machinery does need a checkup for wear and potential problems. Preventative maintenance on heat pumps will keep the system running smoothly.
The Aging of the Heat Pumps
The idea behind the maintenance is to keep the machinery running for extended life. Heat pumps are a durable appliance and should be able to run effectively for decades. They can if some routine inspections are over to see if everything is in good order. A good heat pump is going to provide both heating and cooling for the entire year, and that takes its toll. Some parts may be weak to the point of breaking and have to replace, while others just need some lubrication.
Common Maintenance on Heat Pumps
Not all of the maintenance work requires expert knowledge or sophisticated tools. Sometimes, it can be just a change of the filters or perhaps replacing a blown fuse. Air ducts can have problems such as leaking points or loose parts. These can be easily secure. Other maintenance can depend on the noise. Grinding sounds could suggest problems with the motor, and this is not something that a homeowner should try to repair. The same is true if there is a possibility of a refrigerant leak. Both of these situations will require a trained technician to go in and fix things. That is much better than having an untrained person try to do maintenance cause an even greater problem.
Maintenance checks up once or twice a year will add considerable time to the lives of these energy-saving machines. A good heat pump can last up to 30 years if properly maintained. The energy savings and lower utility bills that he pumps provide over extended periods of time give a real incentive to have at least an annual maintenance checkup on the machinery.
Air Care Cooling & Heating LLC. is now offering a FREE 5-year maintenance plan when you purchase an Aeroseal Arizona duct sealing. Aeroseal is the number one thing you can do in your home to help your air conditioning run more efficiently. In Arizona, the average home has many leaks in the ductwork, even in new homes, and sealing them can also increase your property’s value if you ever decide to sell a home.
The average Arizona household has enough leaks in the ductwork to add up to the equivalent of a hole that is 70 inches across. After the Arizona Aeroseal duct sealing process is complete, that 70-inch hole is shrunk down to a hole that measures 5 inches or less.
The Aeroseal process is recognized by all major utility companies including APS, SRP, and Southwest Gas. They are also giving out rebates if you get the duct sealing in your home. Even the federal government recognizes Aeroseal as a major energy-saving process. You may even qualify to get a tax rebate from the government when you combine Aeroseal with a new air conditioner.
We start the job by doing a pre-seal test to see exactly what the leakage is before we actually do the sealing. We do this test on all existing AC units that are connected to existing ductwork. After the Aeroseal job is complete we perform another test to see the actual reduction in leak s. So that way we verify the effectiveness of the service. The service comes with a 10-year guarantee on the sealing that is backed by the Aeroseal corporate.
How long does Aeroseal last?
Air Care and Tim McKenzie recommend Aeroseal to everyone who has central air conditioning in Arizona. But there is a major factor when purchasing a new high-efficiency air conditioner. If you purchase a 20 seer air conditioning unit you be putting out 20 seer efficiency AT THE AC UNIT. But if your ducts are leaking you WILL NOT have 20 seer efficiency in the home.
Water Heaters & Plumbing Phoenix Arizona
Energy Star Rebate on Water Heaters & Plumbing
There is big talk about all of the plumbing & water https://aircareaz.com/services-2/water-heater-repair-replacement/heater rebates in Phoenix AZ available this year on many select models. Everything from Appliances, Heating and Cooling Equipment, Home Electronics, Office Equipment, Residential Water Heaters, and more.
How to know you can save money and benefit from these Rebates available on such a wide range of products? What is an Energy Star Water Heater and how did it get this rating? We have done the research for you and accessed everything available for rebates from Energy Star in reference to Residential Water Heaters and related plumbing products.
Why Energy Star Water Heaters
Did you know that water heaters can account for 14% to 25% of the energy usage in your home? This makes finding the most efficient hot water heater a top priority when considering the costs of maintaining your household and comfort.
How does a Water Heater Become An Energy Star?
To be chosen by the EPA listed as an Energy Star Product the water heater must contribute significant energy savings. Its specific energy usage and performance must be measured and verified with testing. Basically, listed as an Energy Star is the water heater that is saving the environment. Also savings your pocketbook with the highest quality standard.
Federal Tax Credits For Energy Star Products
To help reduce greenhouse gases and save the environment the Federal Government encourages us to buy products specifically rated to accomplish this goal by issuing tax credits when anyone chooses to buy an Energy Star Water Heater. For the 2013 tax year just underway there is a tax rebate available for gas, oil, and propane water heaters for $300 with an energy factor greater than or equal to 0.82 thermal efficiencies of at least 90% and on electric water heaters also for $300 with an energy factor greater than or equal to 2.0. Save your receipts and go to Energystar.gov for complete details to receive your credit.
Energy Star Rebates Available On Water Heaters locally
Currently, Southwest Gas has a special offer rebate on recycling whole-home gas tank-less. While hot water heaters with ongoing dates no end currently listed on this offer. Rebates are $450 for this offer; call 1-866-802-7790 or visit their website. Southwest Gas is also offering a $450 Energy Star Rebate Phoenix on qualified natural gas tank-less water heaters. To qualify or find out more information to participate in this rebate, contact Southwest Gas at 1-800-654-2765.
Savings, finding rebates, Quality
We like to save our customers money. More so, however, we like to provide our customers with quality, high-efficiency products. And keeping them satisfied for many years to come as well as keeping that extra little change in their pockets rather than paying for the rising cost of power today. We will always keep you informed on Energy Star products, Rebates, and Tax Credits. Likewise the best high-efficiency water heaters available to you year-round.
