Energy Efficient Home Comfort Systems

The average consumer spends thousands of dollars a year heating and cooling their home. According to estimates, 5% of all generated electricity is consumed by air conditioners. Consider going green to protect the environment and your pocketbook while maintaining the home comfort level to which you are accustomed.

EFFICIENCY FIRST
To guarantee high efficiency, ductwork must be properly designed and insulated. Have a professional test all ducts for leakage. Make sure all HVAC filters are intact and modern; these filters remove micro-particles from the air. Make sure air conditioning units use only modern refrigerants. Air conditioners should have modern SEER/EER (energy-efficiency ratio) ratings. Furnaces should have a 90% or higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. Once all of these upgrades have been performed, you are on your way to an energy efficient home.

TRY NATURAL VENTILATION
Window fans and ceiling fans can work wonders, while using much less electricity. At night, open windows and let naturally cool air refresh the house. We are especially fortunate in Sacramento to have the nice weather we do in spring and fall.A whole-house fan system (typically in the attic) is another option; this draws cooler air into and through the house. There are pros and cons to whole house fans so be sure to weigh them before deciding to install a whole house fan.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE
If you have central air conditioning, make sure the system is neither too big nor too small. An overlarge system simply wastes energy and may be noisy. For maximum conservation, as well as comfort, you want the Goldilocks size. A set of manuals from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America outlines the proper sizing and ideal design of an HVAC system to lessen noise, limit cycling, and save energy. The methodology factors in heat load of the home, size and design of ductwork, and size and type of equipment. Our expert design consultants are professionals at helping you choose the right size system that will fit your budget.