The Truth About High-Efficiency

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The Truth About High-Efficiency.

Each year when you turn your clocks ahead and back, it’s also time to think about getting your heating and air conditioning system in shape for another season.   And, if your system is more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to begin thinking about upgrading and replacement as repairs become more costly and frequent.

With more than half of the energy used in the typical home going to heating and cooling, it’s important to make smart decision about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.

Energy costs aren’t getting any cheaper.  You’ve heard that there can be “big savings” with the latest high-efficient HVAC systems.  But, is that savings worth the extra cost?  Will you see that savings on your monthly bills?    What’s the truth?

If your current furnace was 80% efficient when installed, that means that 80% of the fuel that is burned is turning into heat and 20% is directed up your chimney through the exhaust.  So, for every $1 of your heating cost, 20¢ goes up the chimney – not very efficient.   And, as your furnace ages, it likely gets less efficient.

If you upgrade to a 95% efficient unit, will that translate into an immediate 15% savings in fuel bills and less lost up your chimney?

Weigh the Variables.

The time in which you recoup your investment in a new HVAC system will vary from house-to-house depending on a number of critical elements.  The key critical variables include:

  • The temperature you find comfortable.
  • How well your home is insulated.
  • How well your ductwork is functioning.
  • How ‘clean’ the house is in terms of secondary filters, ventilation, and humidity.
  • How well the new system is installed and maintained.

If you miss any one of these, it will extend the time before you break-even on your investment in a new heating and air conditioning system.

For example, having a new 95% EnergyStar system installed in a poorly insulated home may result in no savings because much of the heating is going out the doors, walls, and windows.    The warmer you keep your home in the winter and cooler you prefer in the summer will limit savings.  And, some believe that improper instillation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%.

Do the Math.

A Certified HVAC expert can help as you weigh these variables.  Local contractors should have the experience and worksheets to address these and other local variables.    Plus, your local HVAC expert can offer advice on manufacturers’ discounts and rebates and applicable government tax credits.

You’re making a 10-year investment in your home.  Careful study is necessary to weigh the variables mentioned here and project your future comfort level.  There’s no easy answer.  Each situation is truly unique.

We Help Homeowners

Whether you’re replacing your furnace or central air conditioning, adding a dehumidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your heating and air conditioning system, we are knowledgeable and expert in delivering the service you need.    Look to us for your annual inspection.  Duct cleaning.   Diagnose malfunctions.  Improving ventilation.  Replacing Filters.   Installing advanced, state-of-the-art high-efficiency Armstrong Air furnaces and Air Conditioners.    Superior quality equipment and Trained Certified Technicians – we’re the Team that truly delivers for you.

Reliable and Trusted

We’ve been serving homes in our neighborhood for years with prompt, dependable, and reliable service that meets the highest standards.    Experience counts!  Your neighbors rely on and trust us to treat them ‘right’.

They rely on us for advanced products and expert service.  We even help you take advantage of rebates from manufacturers and energy companies.    We make the HVAC updating and maintenance process as stress-free as possible.  We’re just a phone call away.