Last updated 5 months ago
Shopping for HVAC equipment can be complicated process. For help selecting an efficient unit and reducing your home’s energy consumption, check out these resources. Call Greenwood Heating & Air at (206) 734-3370 for additional help choosing the right heating and cooling equipment for your home.
Find out why it’s so important to seal air leaks throughout your home at this page from Popular Mechanics.
Learn how upgrading to a programmable thermostat can improve your home’s energy efficiency at this page from HowStuffWorks.com.
Read this article from the Alliance to Save Energy to understand which improvements can increase the energy efficiency of your home and heating system.
Find out how much money you can save by choosing a furnace with a high AFUE rating at this page from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Take a look at this document from EnergyStar.gov to explore a comprehensive approach to HVAC system efficiency.
Last updated 5 months ago
By doing a little homework and seeking the help of a heating contractor, you can find replacement HVAC equipment that allows you to enjoy a perfect balance between energy efficiency and comfort. Before you make a selection, you should understand each model’s efficiency rating. Along with the correct sizing, a system’s energy efficiency will determine how much money you save.
Furnaces
Furnaces are rated by their AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This is expressed as a percentage using the standardized British thermal unit, or BTU. For example, a furnace that consumes 100 BTUs of heating oil and provides 90 BTUs of heat output has an AFUE of 90%. It’s very important that you look at the AFUE as well as the size of your new furnace. Many high-efficiency systems have AFUE ratings of 95% or higher, which makes a big difference in savings compared to the 60% of systems from 15 years ago.
Air Conditioners and Air-Source Heat Pumps
When choosing an air conditioner or air-source heat pump, pay attention to the SEER and HSPF ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, respectively). A unit’s SEER rating is its energy output divided by its input. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends air conditioners with a minimum SEER of 14. When it comes to air-source heat pumps, experts recommend an HSPF of eight or higher.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Since geothermal and ground-source heat pumps operate a little differently, they have different efficiency ratings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a geothermal heat pump is about 70% more efficient than a typical forced-air furnace . By paying attention to Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Coefficient of Performance (COP), you can select an efficient geothermal heat pump. Generally, an EER of 18 and up is considered fairly efficient, though some models have ratings of up to 30 EER. If you see a unit with a COP rating, you should make sure it’s at least a four.
You should work closely with your heating service to choose new equipment for your home. Contact Greenwood Heating & Air at (206) 734-3370 to schedule a consultation and get one step closer to an efficient new climate control system.
Last updated 5 months ago
This video from Angie’s List can help you understand how heat pumps reduce your heating and cooling costs. This is important, because HVAC costs account for about 50% of the average homeowner’s utility bill every month.
Heat pumps are ideal for milder climates and can provide both heating and cooling for your home in conjunction with a furnace or air conditioner. By absorbing latent heat and transferring it into or out of your home, heat pumps represent one of the most efficient methods of indoor climate control.
Contact Greenwood Heating & Air to learn more about the benefits of heat pumps. We service and install air-source and geothermal heat pumps, which can help you save a large percentage of your annual energy costs. Contact us at (206) 734-3370 to schedule a consultation with one of our representatives.
Last updated 5 months ago
Your heater or furnace is only as efficient as your home. For this reason, you should pay special attention to both your home and heating system this winter. By maintaining your heating system and winterizing your home, you can maximize your comfort and enjoy lower heating costs. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your heater this winter:
Get a System Tune-up
Your heating system should receive a tune-up each year before the heating season. This helps ensure that your system operates safely and at maximum efficiency. You should change your air filter at the beginning of the heating season and keep changing it once a month until spring. A clean filter improves your indoor air quality and protects your furnace, extending its life and promoting overall efficiency.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
An excellent way to harness energy savings and maximize your comfort is to use a programmable thermostat. By setting the thermostat lower than 68 degrees when you’re away or asleep, you can save a tremendous amount of energy. If you set your programmable thermostat properly, you can also enjoy comfortable temperatures when you’re getting ready for work or enjoying an evening at home.
Winterize Your Home
The building envelope of your home—the doors, windows, walls, and roof—needs to be adequately insulated and sealed against air infiltration and thermal transfer. Even a highly efficient furnace can struggle to provide efficient heat if cold air is getting inside your home. For maximum efficiency, you should use weather stripping and caulking on windows and doors, install extra insulation in attics and crawlspaces, and have your home evaluated by an energy auditor.
By following these steps, you can get the most out of your heating system this winter. Greenwood Heating & Air can provide system maintenance and suggest other products to help improve your energy efficiency and home comfort. Call us at (206) 734-3370 for additional information. You can also visit our website to learn about our range of heating services.
Last updated 6 months ago
The air ducts in your HVAC system can easily become repositories for dust, particles, and even mold. It's generally recommended that your home's air ducts be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, but this is dependent upon the thoroughness of previous cleanings and your environment.
As this video explains, some homes can go 5 to 7 years between cleanings, especially if the previous appointment was performed very thoroughly by a professional duct cleaner. Indoor air quality tests can help identify sources of pollutants, and duct cleaning can help reduce any problems you and your family experience with allergies or respiratory issues. Homeowners can even help maintain clean ductwork by regularly cleaning carpets and vacuuming floor vents.
To learn more about improving your indoor air quality and explore duct cleaning, contact Greenwood Heating & Air at (206) 734-3370. You can also visit us online to explore our full range of services.
