| Understanding Efficiency &
Operating Cost
Like many other appliances, the cost of your
indoor comfort system includes not only its initial price, but
also the ongoing costs of operation and maintenance. This means
that the cooling and heating equipment and controls that you
select today will continue to impact your finances for as long
as you live in your home. That's why investing in a high
efficiency comfort system and maintaining your comfort system
makes sense.
A Wise Investment
Your heating and air conditioning can account
for a good portion of your home's annual energy costs. In
effect, your indoor comfort system is the only part of your home
that can actually pay for itself through reduced energy cost
while also providing the added benefits of increased comfort.
The Impact of SEER Rating on Energy Costs
For every $100 you spend to cool your home
using a 10 SEER system, you would spend considerably less using
a system of 12 SEER of higher. In fact, this is one reason that
the new Federal Appliance Standards beginning January 23, 2006
will require the new standards for central air conditioners be a
minimum 13 SEER.
Other Energy Efficiency Factors
Although the efficiency of your cooling and
heating equipment will have the greatest impact on your energy
usage, other factors will also help reduce energy costs.
- System Operation
Maintaining the proper temperature settings on your
thermostat will save energy. Programmable Thermostats can
control your equipment according to your family’s lifestyle
and daily occupancy schedule.
- Zoning
Zoning allows you to eliminate the wasted energy of over
conditioning areas in your home that have reduced exposures
or that may be unused or unoccupied.
- Keep Equipment Clean
Regularly scheduled professional maintenance is crucial to
maintaining your system’s maximum efficiency.
- Air Filter Maintenance
Keeping your system and equipment clean by inspecting your
air filter monthly, and changing it when the filter becomes
dirty, will have a major effect on operating cost as well as
indoor air quality. Using an Electronic or Mechanical Air
Cleaner will help maintain your system’s optimum
performance.
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