BUYING A NEW HVAC SYSTEM?

If you have an older central air conditioner, you might choose to replace the outdoor compressor with a high-efficiency unit, or replace the entire system.

Today's air conditioners use up to 40% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as those made just 10 years ago. Look for an ENERGY STAR rating and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or "SEER" that is above 13 (the higher, the better).

If possible, install your new unit in the shade, which can allow it to run 10% more efficiently.

HELP YOUR HVAC DO ITS JOB

To get the most bang from your HVAC buck, use these general energy-saving tips. They'll help you support your system and save energy around the house.

Get a programmable thermostat. It's easier to save energy with a programmable thermostat than a regular one because you don't have to think about it each time you want to change the temperature. You pre-program your settings so that the thermostat raises the temperature while you're at work and asleep, and kicks on the air conditioning when you're at home and awake. With "smart" programmable thermostats, you can even control the temperature from your smartphone.

Seal your heating/cooling ducts and any open spaces. Make sure doors, windows, and nooks and crannies are shut and properly sealed. The less cool air that escapes your home, the less energy you'll waste, and more comfortable you'll be.

Set your thermostat to your ideal temperature (not any colder). Setting the air conditioner to a colder-than-desired temperature doesn't cool down your house any quicker – it just keeps the unit working longer than necessary. So, set it to where you want it. And remember: You save up to 1% on your yearly cooling bill every time you raise the temperature by one degree for a period of eight hours. So, set it to around 78° - after all, it is summer!

Filtration Systems Remove More Than Just Dust!

Inside the house, opening doors and windows will get rid of a lot of chemicals and odors and a heat or energy recovery ventilation system can also be installed.

A whole-house filtration system with a MERV 16 rating removes 90-95 percent of mold spores, pollen, pet dander and viruses. MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ranges from 1 to 16—the higher the number, the better. MERV 16 efficiency will be more than 95 percent efficient at removing particulates including dust mites, mold spores, fungi, pollen, and pet dander larger than 0.3 microns and more than 90 percent efficient at removing the smallest, breathable particles, such as viruses and bacteria, down to 0.01 microns.

NOTE: a MERV filter requires professional installation.

Choosing and Programming a Programmable Thermostat

Most programmable thermostats are either digital, electromechanical, or some mixture of the two. Digital thermostats offer the most features in terms of multiple setback settings, overrides, and adjustments for daylight savings time, but may be difficult for some people to program. Electromechanical systems often involve pegs or sliding bars and are relatively simple to program.

When programming your thermostat, consider when you normally go to sleep and wake up. If you prefer to sleep at a cooler temperature during the winter, you might want to start the temperature setback a bit ahead of the time you actually go to bed. Also consider the schedules of everyone in the household. If there is a time during the day when the house is unoccupied for four hours or more, it makes sense to adjust the temperature during those periods.

Save Money with this Cool Tip!

Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible in the summer, and ensure humidity control if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.