Homeowners in San Antonio have one thing in common no matter what neighborhood they live in. Everyone is interested in improving the energy efficiency of their HVAC system.
This makes perfect sense to our HVAC technicians given that the cost of energy isn't going down, the electrical grid is strained and the weather is getting more unpredictable with the exception of the scorching summer heat that's becoming more regular. The HVAC system is a huge energy consumer that can cost hundreds of dollars to run in the summer and winter months. It's the main reason why the average electric bill in San Antonio is $170.45 a month, which is higher than the national average according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
If you're in the average group of San Antonio residents, let's take a look at some ways you can improve energy efficiency and lower your electric bill to make the cost of living even more affordable.
Essentials for an Energy Efficient HVAC System
Let's start with the basics. Below are three easy ways that any homeowner in San Antonio can make their central air system or heating system more energy efficient with very little effort.
Programmable Thermostat
The first thing every homeowner should do is take a look at their thermostat. Today, modern central air conditioning systems have a programmable thermostat that makes it easy to control HVAC operation. The problem is a lot of people only use the thermostat to turn the system on and adjust the temperature in the moment, missing energy saving opportunities.
The U.S. Department of Energy has done extensive research into the use of programmable thermostats. They've determined that homeowners can reduce energy use by as much as 10% by strategically programming their thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically. If you increase the temperature 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day in the summer and lower it by 7-10 degrees in the winter you should see a notable reduction in energy use.
The best time to make adjustments is when you are away from home and when you're sleeping.
Clean Air Filters
This is quite possibly the easiest way to improve the energy efficiency of a central air conditioning system. The air filters need to be changed or cleaned regularly. If they get gunked up it will reduce airflow and make the HVAC system work harder to circulate air. Working harder equates to using more energy.
Air filters should be changed once every 1-3 months. The time frame is influenced by the type of air filter you use, lifestyle factors and how much you use the HVAC system. For example, if you have an air filter with a MERV 9 rating, it's summertime and you have a few indoor pets that are shedding, you'll want to change the air filter at least every 1-2 months.
Annual Maintenance From a Professional
There are a lot of reasons to have an HVAC professional service your system at least once a year. In addition to making sure everything is operating properly and catching problems before they turn into a major repair, annual HVAC maintenance can also reduce energy use. The technician will:
Make sure the Freon levels are adequate so you aren't using your HVAC system more than necessary.
Clean all of the components so that the system doesn't have to work as hard.
Catch air leaks that are wasting the conditioned air and energy.
An expert technician will also be able to provide additional guidance based on your HVAC system and its current condition. They are a great resource for personal advice so ask questions while they are at your home servicing the system.
Advanced Energy Efficient Air Conditioner and Heating Solutions
Now that the easy energy efficiency improvements have been made you enjoy warm and cool air for less, but the savings haven't been maxed out yet. For maximum comfort try these more advanced solutions.
Optimize the Humidity Levels Inside
Temperature and humidity are directly related. It's going to feel warmer inside if the humidity is high even if the air conditioner is set at a comfortable temperature. In San Antonio the humidity level is typically 50-80%, however, the ideal humidity for inside a home is 30-50%.
You can use dehumidifiers to lower the level inside. Most days in San Antonio the humidity tends to be highest in the morning and lowest in the afternoon. That means you may only need to run the dehumidifier in the morning to feel a difference the rest of the day so that you save more energy.
Know Your Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
SEER ratings are used to gauge the efficiency of central air conditioners. It's a fairly simple calculation, but it can be hard for homeowners to measure on their own.
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing the total cooling output for a summer season by the total energy used by the central air conditioner. British Thermal Units (BTUs) are used to measure cooling output, and watt-hours are used for the energy use.
You could try to measure everything exactly, or you could simply check the SEER rating for your cooling system. Most air conditioners will have the SEER rating noted on the Energy Guide label. If you can't find the SEER rating on the unit you can contact the manufacturer to get it.
In hot climates like San Antonio the higher the SEER rating the better. At minimum cooling systems should have a SEER rating of 14 or higher. Air conditioners that are rated 17 and higher are considered high efficiency.
You can use this information along with the age of the equipment to determine if replacing the AC unit is a good investment. It will also give you an idea of the maximum energy efficiency you can expect if the unit remains in operation. If your cooling system doesn't have a high rating and you aren't in the position to replace the HVAC system you may benefit from using energy efficient portable air conditioners.
Add More Insulation
Inadequate insulation is a serious energy waster, especially in hot areas like San Antonio. Honestly, you can't go wrong with adding more insulation and not just in the attic. Insulation can be added to:
Interior walls
Exterior walls
Outlets
Crawl spaces
Ceiling
Pipes
Around the water heater
Insulation has different R-value ratings that indicate how well it insulates. In San Antonio you want insulation that's R-10 to R-38 depending on where you're putting it.
More Ways That San Antonio Homeowners Can Save With Energy Efficiency Improvements
If you are making the effort to improve the energy efficiency of your cooling and heating system, why not get a few more perks? Today there are a lot of ways to get assistance paying for energy efficiency upgrades or receiving rebates for the investment you've already made.
Local Electric Provider Programs
Many electric providers will reward their customers for making energy efficiency improvements. CPS Energy has a few programs that customers can look into including Casa Verde and the Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP).
There are also city, state and federal energy efficiency programs that can help you save even more when you make energy efficiency upgrades. Keep in mind there could be strict energy efficiency guidelines, so always check the eligibility before applying and follow the guidelines precisely to ensure you get the benefits. These programs can come and go at any time, so take advantage of them while you can!
Allstate Air and Heat is your energy efficiency partner in San Antonio! We provide free HVAC inspections to provide an in-depth picture of the system's efficiency and performance. Energy audits provide even more information on the best ways for you to save energy and money.
Give us a call or contact us online to schedule a free inspection, energy audit or maintenance services.
Comentarios