HVAC
The DOE pegged an additional 40% reduction in the energy used for space conditioning in homes by 2025 (compared to 2010). What this means for consumers and businesses is that the energy efficiency of HVACs continue to improve. If you would like to explore how much your potential energy savings might be by upgrading your HVAC, call us at Ossie Electric for a free consultation.
The lasting effect of the oil embargo of 1973 was to raise the consciousness about energy consumption in the United States. Beginning with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, followed shortly by the creation of the Department of Energy (DOE), a series of legislation and industrial initiatives were undertaken so that by 2010 the overall energy efficiency of buildings and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air condition) systems had improved 40% compared to 35 years prior.
HVAC are meant to provide thermal comfort and acceptable air quality. Heating or cooling is the desired deliverable but ventilation, both the circulation of indoor air and the exchange of the air to the outside, is the unnoticed functionality that occurs whenever the unit is operating. Programs like Energy Star inform consumers as to which appliances draw the least amount of energy to perform their task. Similarly, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a measurement designed to rate the energy efficiency of air conditioners or heat pumps.
The table below is based upon a 2,000 square foot house needing a 4 ton unit with estimated electric cost of 17.95 cents per kilowatt hour and average annual cooling need of 1,089 hours in the New York metropolitan area.
| SEER | Electric $ p.a.* | % Savings | 5 Year $ Saved | 10 Year $ Saved |
| 10 | $1,764 | |||
| 15 | $1,176 | 33% | $,2,941 | $5,882 |
| 20 | $882 | 50% | $4,411 | $8,822 |
| 25 | $706 | 60% | $5,293 | $10,587 |
For example, if your current unit was rated at 10 SEER, and you were contemplating replacing it with a unit rated at 20 SEER, your annual electrical costs would be cut in half to $882 (compared to $1,764) and your 10 year savings would be just under $9,000, if electric prices more or less remained constant. The history has actually been a steady upward trend. In a commercial setting, where the tonnage is likely to be larger, the opportunity for savings are greater still.
At Ossie Electric, we can work with property owners or HVAC suppliers to calculate the most suitable options for climate control needs. Alternatively, once a unit (or a subset of models) has been selected, you or your HVAC supplier can call us Ossie Electric to route your appliance to dedicated electric circuits mated with the appropriate wiring and fail-safe.
The HVAC unit needed for a specific residence or office depends on:
- The size of the space in need of climate control and its insulation.
- How the ductwork is sealed.
- How waste water is drained.
- How toxic gases are exhausted.
- Whether it is single staged, has variable fan-speed, or is multi-zoned.
For many heating and cooling may account for as much as half of the energy used during a typical year. The technology for HVAC continues to improve, especially in the areas of energy efficiency and needed maintenance. Variable fan speeds can offer operating savings via greater efficiency. Zoned systems are more efficient still since their area of operation can be sectioned off, say the bedrooms at night but the living quarters during the day.
Other factors that can help reduce operating costs:
- A programmable thermostat to reduce usage, especially when not at home.
- Checking your filter monthly.
- Replacing your filter quarterly or when dirty (remove air flow impediment).
- Having your HVAC system re-evaluated if ten years or older.
According to Energy Star, nearly half of all HVAC systems are incorrectly installed. So, in addition to possibly benefitting from a vastly improved energy efficient unit, homeowners should double check that they are not overpaying for energy due to an incorrectly selected unit, an improperly installed one, or a poorly maintained one. Better usage of a thermostat could serve the dual purpose of reducing energy consumption while maximizing climate control.
There’s no need to guess if your setup is as close to optimal as possible. Call Ossie Electric today for your HVAC installation so that your summer days will be cool and your winter evenings warm!