The general rule when considering where to splurge and where to save when upgrading a home recommends that you splurge on items that are hard to install, last a long time, or could save you money. HVAC costs fall into this category because they meet each of the basic criteria.
It takes licensed specialists to install and maintain HVAC systems. With proper care, they last for decades and will save you money while keeping your home comfortable. When it comes to budgeting for home improvements or components, it makes sense to choose the most energy efficient HVAC system you can for this region.
Value of Energy Efficiency
Each time an energy efficient HVAC system runs, it pays for itself. Cooling and heating systems that have higher efficiency ratings nearly always embed more advanced technology. Manufacturers use upgraded components to achieve higher efficiency and that often translates to better quality equipment less prone to breakdowns.
Energy Star Systems
Look for HVAC products that have the Energy Star or Most Efficient labels. In order to earn these designations, manufacturers have to submit their products to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for evaluation. Only those that meet the DOE’s criteria for efficiency and a payback within a reasonable time earn inclusion into the Energy Star program. The Most Efficient label indicates those products that exceed the Energy Star’s requirements by a significant amount.
The initial HVAC costs associated with these products will be more, but they will pay for themselves within a reasonable period of time. In this climate, look for cooling systems that use variable-speed or two-stage technology for cooling systems.
Two-speed cooling systems run at lower speeds to maintain even cooling, rather than at high speeds only. The biggest mechanical stressor on air conditioners is the starting cycle. When they run slower in longer cycles, they save energy and wear on the parts.
Splurging on HVAC costs may seem like a reach at first, but in the long run, it saves money. For more information, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning, providing services for Lorain-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area