If you’re planning on buying a new HVAC unit (heating and cooling system), you may be wondering how much energy the unit will use and what type of heating or cooling system is best. You should know that HVAC units are typically divided into four types: split systems, mini-splits, central air conditioning, and heat pumps. This article will cover ten facts and the benefits of installing an HVAC system as part of your home renovation.

1.) Standard AC units can use up to 3x more energy than an efficient model

According to EnergyStar.gov, many older heating and cooling units use about 5-20% less energy than the minimum federal requirements for efficiency set by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Homeowners should check to see if their unit meets this required minimum for energy efficiency, and if not, replace it.

2.) “I-Staged” HVAC units use up to 30% less energy

In addition to being at least 10% more efficient than the minimum federal requirements for an HVAC system, I-staged units may also qualify for a tax credit from your local utility company in some states. To find out which utility companies in your area offer a rebate program for installing a high-efficiency HVAC unit, contact our team today.

3.) Heat pumps are the most efficient air conditioning units

Although some homeowners prefer “mini-splits” or central air conditioning because they can be installed in one day, more energy is used to keep the costs of running these systems down. That means your monthly utility bills may go up even though you don’t have HVAC ducts installed throughout your entire home. According to EnergyStar.gov, heat pumps are the most efficient type of AC system because they transfer heat between inside and outside instead of emitting cool or hot air into your home’s living space.

4.) Ductless mini splits are just as efficient as central AC units

Ductless “mini-splits” are quickly gaining popularity among homeowners who want a simple solution to updating their HVAC units. Mini-splits offer several energy-saving benefits, including the fact that there is no duct installation involved, and they can be a more affordable alternative to a central AC system.

5.) Central air conditioning systems are the most efficient heating units

Central heating systems work well in areas that have larger homes or homes with rooms that don’t get much use during the winter months. However, central heating units take a longer time to heat up your home than other types of heating units such as HVAC wall furnaces or electric radiant panels.

6.) HVAC wall furnaces are one of the most efficient heating units

HVAC wall furnaces don’t require ductwork, making installation a breeze. If you want a unit that fits in with your existing decor, is easy to use and install and is also energy-efficient, our team can help find you a unit that’s right for your home.

7.) Radiant heaters use electrical power more efficiently than other types of heat sources

You may have seen radiant heaters in stores or even used them in hotel rooms when you’ve been on vacation during the winter months. These types of heaters typically run on electricity instead of gas or oil, which can be dangerous if left unattended. These types of heaters also typically require a wall outlet to be installed near where the unit will be used, which means you’ll want to double-check for an extra plug behind your couch or bed if that’s where you plan on setting up a radiant heater.

8.) Electrode baseboard heaters are one of the most efficient heating units

Electrode baseboard heaters typically use electricity as their main energy source and warm air from the floor as their main form of output. They can typically provide warmth for larger rooms or open areas, and they can do so relatively quietly compared to other types of heating units such as HVAC furnaces.

9.) Energy Star qualified heaters have 10% – 40% higher heating efficiency

If you’re looking for a cost-efficient way to heat your home without sacrificing comfort, Energy Star qualified heaters are a great choice. These types of units typically have an output that’s 40% higher than the minimum federal requirements for heating efficiency, which means less time spent running your heater and more time spent enjoying it!

10.) Heat pumps are the most efficient air conditioning units

If you want to learn more about HVAC units and how certain models work, contact our team today. We’ll help you find the right unit for your needs so that you can save money and enjoy a comfortable home all year long!

The Energy Benefits of Installing an HVAC Unit

In order to make your home more comfortable all year long, you’ll need a way to cool it down in the summer and heat it up in the winter. If you’re thinking about making a change by purchasing a new HVAC system or even just updating an existing unit, keep these benefits of installing a new heating and cooling system in mind.

The benefits of installing an HVAC unit include:

A more comfortable home
Increased air quality throughout the house
Improved ventilation for your indoor air
Efficient distribution of hot and cold air throughout your space so you don’t have to worry about wasting energy trying to heat or cool an entire room.

Types of HVAC Units

If you need a new heating or cooling unit, there are several types of units that may be right for your home:

Central Heating and Cooling Systems: These types of units typically use ductwork throughout the whole house in order to distribute cool and warm air evenly throughout the home. They come in both forced-air and geothermal varieties. Forced-air systems work with a furnace, while geothermal systems rely on an outdoor unit to provide and distribute warm and cool air. These systems typically require professional installation in order to ensure that the ducts are properly sealed, which means you’ll want to budget for installation when you’re considering buying a new unit.

Room Heaters: Room heaters can come in a variety of forms – radiant, space, conventional or fan-forced. Radiant room heaters warm up objects and people who are nearby while they emit hot air into the surrounding space. However, these types of units don’t provide much warmth throughout your entire living area if placed close to the ceiling or upper walls because hot air doesn’t accumulate near these areas unless you place them on a table or floor.

Space heaters emit heated coils that slowly warm up a whole room, which means you won’t experience immediate warmth. Fan-forced heaters circulate heated air throughout the room, but they don’t provide as much heat like space heaters.

Geothermal Systems: Geothermal systems use an outdoor unit to transfer cool or warm air into your living area using water or antifreeze refrigerant. The outdoor unit is connected to one or more indoor units by a series of insulated tubing typically found underneath your home’s HVAC system by way of a hole in the foundation. They’re usually placed outside, but some homeowners choose to install them indoors if their outdoor space doesn’t have enough room for the unit.

Final Thoughts on HVAC Energy Efficiency

All homeowners should consider using an energy-efficient AC system because it can save you money and improve your home’s indoor air quality. While heat pumps are the most efficient type of AC unit, any type of forced-air or geothermal AC system can help you save on your monthly utility bills if it’s installed by a qualified contractor.

If you want to upgrade your existing cooling or heating system, contact us to learn more about our different models and how much it costs to install one in your home. We’ll make sure you get exactly what you need so that you can start saving money while enjoying a comfortable living space!