YOUR HOME HVAC SYSTEM: HOW TO MAINTAIN AND REDUCE ENERGY USAGE

As for energy consumption inside your home, the HVAC system has accounted for a huge chunk of it. HVAC systems account for 30% of a home’s energy use on average. When you take that into account, 30% is a huge fraction of your overall cost. However, by sticking to a routine maintenance schedule and the right usage, you can save money on your HVAC. With energy costs rising, it’s only fitting to make all the applicable ways to save on energy.

Here are some ways on how you could reduce HVAC energy costs through maintenance

Frequently change filters – one of the easiest ways you could save energy on HVAC usage is to replace filters when necessary. The filters can only take in a certain amount of dust and dirt before they start to become inefficient. Think of dirty filters like breathing through a thick piece of cloth. Breathing then becomes quite labor-intensive and you would need to put in so much effort on what would have been a very easy task. The same happens to the HVAC system. When the filters go dirty, air circulation is affected which causes the system to work harder to bring airflow to its normal state.

As for general HVAC maintenance, it is better to have it done by professionals like North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air. The main reason for this is to prevent any unnecessary mistakes during maintenance. Some parts of the HVAC system like the ductwork are sensitive and must only be handled by a trained professional.

Ensure properly sealed ducts – it’s not very often that your ductwork would need some repairs. However, it is good practice to always make sure that there are no leaks in the ducts. You could do this manually but it would not be as effective as hiring a North Myrtle Beach HVAC contractor. To the untrained eye, duct leaks are not easy to detect. However, with the right tools, experience, and knowledge, detecting leaks in ducts will be a breeze.

Use programmable thermostats – if you want to save a lot of energy usage, install programmable thermostats. Unlike your regular thermostats, you can now schedule the times when you need the heat or cooling. However, you can’t easily install a programmable thermostat on your own. More complicated models require the expertise of an HVAC contractor. Older and simpler thermostats don’t have a lot of complex wiring which makes DIY installation rather easy. On the other hand, when it comes to more advanced thermostats, you will need the help of someone who has in-depth knowledge about wiring and circuitry.

Consider HVAC upgrades – although HVAC repair often resolves the issues you may have, there’s always room for upgrades. Although having an HVAC upgrade is more of an investment, it should always be considered. Newer systems have higher energy-efficiency ratings than heating and cooling systems from a decade ago. When you consider that, there are technological advancements nowadays that make everything consume less energy.

Save money on energy costs today! Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air to get a free quote on HVAC maintenance.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE AN HVAC SYSTEM

Purchasing a replacement HVAC system is comparable to buying a new car. It is a mechanical system and you can choose between low and high-quality versions. Certain brands are well known for always breaking down and never being able to last very long. Some systems operate one year after the other without any mechanical issues, assuming that you follow the recommended repair and maintenance schedule.

Considerations When Replacing Your HVAC

Just as you consider fuel efficiency, quality, and household/personal requirements when purchasing a new car, you should employ the same approach when you buy a replacement HVAC system. By now you already have a good idea that the cost of replacing your broken HVAC system with a new one will not be minimal. But you also need to be sure that the price you pay is going to be fair. You can only do this by scheduling estimates with licensed and reputable HVAC contractors in your area.

Lifetime Costs Vs. First Time Costs

You have to weigh the first time and the lifetime costs of the HVAC system when you are going through the estimates. First-time costs refer to the amount you have to pay for the system, accessory components, required ductwork, insulation upgrades, as well as labor chargers. Meanwhile, lifetime costs refer to the amount that involves the maintenance required after the installation, operational costs, as well as repair expenses.

If you are not careful, the money that you get to save on the front end by choosing a lower quality unit or skimping on the potential of the system to become energy efficient could cost a lot later on. Conversely, spending another at least $1,000 might hurt instantly, but once you have calculated the lifetime costs, you will find that the difference is regained – and then some – when it comes to reduced repair and maintenance expenses, utility savings, as well as the extended lifespan of a higher quality unit.

EER And SEER

The most suitable North Myrtle Beach HVAC unit for your home is the one that is most energy-efficient and affordable to operate. You have to look into the EER or energy efficiency ratio and SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio of the systems.

Important Questions To Ask

When you are installing your HVAC in North Myrtle Beach, you have to ask certain questions to ensure its optimum performance and quality for years to come. You need to ask if it is sized correctly. The unit should be the correct size to give the best HVAC performance for your house. That is why HVAC contractors measure your home and conduct load calculations.

Is the duct system appropriate for the unit? Your HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach will fix and install more ducts when required to make sure that all things function at their highest caliber. You should know how the airflow is. It should be just right because if not, you will see a significant increase in the hotspots in your home’s room or your bill.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air if you need to replace your HVAC units.

Like our Facebook page for more information about heating and cooling services.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

2023 HVAC EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the 2023 requirements. It reviews efficiency standards for HVAC products every six years. EER, SEER, and HSPF are no longer used. The new terms are EER2, SEER2, and HSPF2. New DOE testing procedures required the use of higher external airflow pressures to simulate real-world conditions. The new metrics are EER2, SEER2, and HSPF2. Equipment that has been tested using the new procedures is distinguished from equipment that was tested using the old ones by the new names.

The new minimum energy efficiency requirements vary depending on the product type and the country where the equipment is being installed. However, the bottom line when it comes to obtaining new equipment, is that single-phase a/c units or heat pumps manufactured after January 1 must be tested using the new procedures and have EnergyGuide labels that use the new terms. They must also meet or exceed the 2023 minimums.

SEER regulations

SEER stands for seasonal efficiency ratio. It is a measure of an air conditioner’s cooling output in relation to its electrical energy consumption. The AC’s efficiency is determined by its SEER rating. Two SEER-related changes will take effect from January 1, 2023. The minimum SEER rating for HVAC equipment will be increased. New air conditioners must currently have a minimum SEER rating of 13 in the northern states and 14 for the southern states. This will change in 2023 to 14 and 15 respectively.

The industry will also adopt the SEER 2 standard. SEER 2 is similar in that it measures heat extracted from space and not the energy used. To better reflect real-life conditions, the testing conditions will be modified. HVAC equipment, including heat pumps and AC condensers, will be required to display their SEER2 rating on their packaging by 2023. This change will not have an impact on consumers, but it will give you a better idea of your potential energy use when you shop for an HVAC system.

What are the benefits of these new HVAC regulations?

Most HVAC equipment, including gas furnaces and central air conditioners, requires a lot of electricity in order to work. This causes carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. Our HVAC systems are increasingly important as the world experiences extreme temperatures because of climate change. Global warming will only increase if we don’t create new eco-friendly standards for technology and standards. Many industry changes, including the 2023 HVAC regulations will shift towards greener products and more efficient energy. These will not only have a positive impact on the environment but also reduce your utility bills.

Do I need to replace my HVAC system?

If your HVAC equipment is in good shape and meets your needs for heating and cooling in North Myrtle Beach, you don’t need to replace it. To keep your system running at its best, schedule spring and fall HVAC maintenance appointments. It may become more difficult to find compatible parts as your system ages. Dealers stock parts that meet the new regulations. It’s time for new equipment that meets current standards when your system has reached its end of useful life or the cost to repair it exceeds the cost of replacing it.

The new HVAC standards can be confusing but we’re here to help. Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today to know if you need to get a system upgrade. You may reach us at 843-399-3237.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about HVAC services.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

2023 HVAC TIPS – IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Winter can put a lot of strain on HVAC systems. Heating, in particular, is used extensively throughout the winter season which calls for much-needed maintenance. Now that winter is here, it’s time to schedule a visit from your local HVAC contractor to prepare the system for another round of heating and cooling. This not only keeps the system in good running condition, it also helps keep it energy-efficient throughout the year. Bear in mind that HVAC systems take up as much as 50% of a household’s energy usage. It’s only best to make sure the system is as efficient it can be.

What you need to keep your HVAC efficient all year round:

Don’t forget to schedule that annual checkup

According to experts like Grand Strand Heating And Cooling, HVAC systems last longer if they are well-maintained. Other than that, they will run efficiently throughout the year. These are the reasons why you should never forget to call an HVAC specialist and book an appointment. Regular maintenance, along with proper usage, can keep your system running for longer.

Do the simple tasks yourself

You can divide HVAC maintenance into two categories – hard and easy. The hard ones are left for the experts. Tasks such as checking for leaks, inspecting the compressor, and making sure all electrical components work is for an expert to do. However, checking to see if the air filter is dirty or not is one of the easier tasks you can do on your own. Other tasks such as cleaning the vents and register, clearing the area surrounding the outside unit, and checking the thermostat can all be done quite easily without the help of an HVAC contractor North Myrtle Beach.

Get a home energy audit

An energy audit is basically an inspection aimed at gauging the energy efficiency of your system. The HVAC contractor will carefully inspect every section of the system for any possible issues. If you feel that your heating and cooling system isn’t running optimally, an audit can help figure out the reasons why.

Upgrade your HVAC system

A typical HVAC system can last up to 15 years. However, that is just an approximation of how long the system can last under perfect conditions including regular maintenance. On the other hand, there are various factors that could affect the efficiency of the system over the years. This is why you might want to consider upgrading to a better model after using the system for a decade or more.

The things you should look for in an HVAC system include high-efficiency ratings, an Energy Star certification, and two-stage heat pumps. Newer models often come with energy-efficient features. They would also last longer due to the technology used in them. Of course, no HVAC sys would last long without proper maintenance. Always schedule periodic maintenance to ensure your system lasts longer and remains efficient.

Does your HVAC struggle to heat or cool your home? Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today!

Like our Facebook page for more great info about HVAC services.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove