Sizing Heating and Cooling Systems

Older space conditioning systems (more than 10 years old) are often unreliable and much less efficient than a modern system. When it’s time for a new replacement, choosing one of the correct size (heating and/or cooling output) is critical to getting the best efficiency, comfort, and lowest maintenance and operating costs over the life of the new system. Some national surveys have determined that well over half of all HVAC contractors do not size heating and cooling systems correctly.

The most common sizing mistake is in oversizing. This not only makes the new system more expensive to install, but also forces it to operate inefficiently, break down more often, and cost more to operate. Oversized heating equipment also often creates uncomfortable and large temperature swings in the house. Oversized air conditioners (and heat pumps) do not run long enough to dehumidify the air, which results in the “clammy” feeling and unhealthy mold growth in many air-conditioned houses.

Source: EERE, Department of Energy

Switching Electric Resistance or Steam Heating to Hot Water Heating

Electric resistance heating, also called electric baseboard heating, is the cheapest to install and the most expensive to operate, as it is the least efficient source of heat. Unfortunately, upgrading to ducted systems, as discussed below, will involve a significant expense for ducting. Another option is to switch to a hot water baseboard system. Baseboard heaters can probably replace electric resistance baseboards in the same location, but will still require extensive plumbing.

Steam systems are generally less efficient than hot water heating systems, but the efficiency gain of upgrading to hot water is probably not worth the expense; it would be better instead to upgrade or replace your boiler. However, it is sometimes possible to convert existing steam distribution pipes to hot water heating, which reduces the cost of the system to the cost of the boiler, the baseboard heaters, and the installation labor. This is generally only feasible in newer two-pipe steam systems (that is, systems in which two pipes go to each radiator, one for the steam and one for the condensate return). For some homeowners, the aesthetic and space-saving benefits of eliminating the large steam radiators may be worth the expense.

Source: EERE, US Department of Energy

Properly install your new heating or cooling systems is essential

Even the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system will fail to save you money if it is installed incorrectly or improperly adjusted.

Here are some further tips on choosing contractors:

• Ask neighbors and friends if they have worked with a contractor they would recommend
• Focus on local companies
• Look for licensed, insured contractors
• Ask about previous experience
• Check references
• Inquire with the Better Business Bureau.

Use these methods to select several contractors, then get at least three detailed, written bids. Each bid should include an agreement to provide written calculations (listing the procedures and standards that will be followed), equipment and installation warranties, a payment schedule, and a firm completion date. Avoid making your decision solely on the basis of price. The quality of the installation should be your highest priority, because quality will determine energy cost, comfort, and durability.

Source: EERE, U.S. Department of Energy

Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

When replacing an existing heating and cooling system, it’s important to first consider the limitations imposed by your current system. Of course, it is possible to install virtually any heating and cooling system in any house, but the cost and aesthetic impacts may be unacceptable for you. When selecting a heating and cooling system for a new house, your options are generally much wider, although your builder or developer may place limitations on your choices.

For both new and existing homes, it’s important to first maximize the energy efficiency of your home. This is the most cost-effective means of keeping your home comfortable, no matter what climate you live in. After doing so, be sure to do what you can to make use of passive solar heating in your home and consider whether ventilation can keep your house cool on warm days, or if you really need artificial cooling. Only after exploring these topics should you decide on the type of system you want and work with a contractor to figure out the optimum size for it.

Source: EERE, U.S. Department of Energy

Using energy responsibly is a way to save the earth

Saving energy is great for the environment and using energy responsibly is a way to save the earth. Here are a few tips for saving energy. Choose windows that have double glazing and coatings to reduce heat from getting trapped in the house. This will decrease the need to blast the Air conditioner. Always buy appliances that have the energy star label on them. Seal any air leaks and check insulation around the house. Plant trees and shrubs to shade the outside A/C’s. Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle. Clean lint filters in the dryer after each use, this improves the air circulation. Dry clothes on a clothes line or a drying rack. Use laptop computers instead of desktop computers, because desktop computer use more energy than laptops. If you need anew A/C get an energy efficient model with an energy star label on it. Always check for the energy saver way of doing things.

Saving energy by driving less and combining errands

Saving energy is something we all need to think about. Not only is it good for the pocketbook (which is important in the tough economic times) but it also helps the environment by reducing the need to produce greater amounts of electricity and fossil fuels.

Start with reducing the amount you drive. Fuel costs are expensive, both for the consumer and the earth. Plan your errands and activities so that you can reduce the number of trips you make in your car. If you are picking up a child from dance class, stop on the way for grocery items for dinner, rather than making two separate trips.

Don’t move your car to do separate errands that are within a block or two of each other. Walk from one to the next, and consider this part of your exercise plan … two birds with one stone. Make these few simple changes and you will immediately notice a reduction in your fuels costs.

How to air seal your home

Before deciding on how to air seal your house, you need to understand how the air escapes. Air comes into and out of your home through every possible holes and cracks. You can find out your home’s air tightness by letting in smoke from a smoke pen placed outside of your windows and doors on a windy day.

Once you see where the air is coming and going, then you can decide a plan to caulk and seal the cracks and holes.

Make sure to caulk all the tiny cracks around plumbing, ducting, and wires.

If you only have single-pane windows, consider investing in double-pane ones.

Should I Insulate My Home?

Insulate your home when:

• You have an older home and haven’t added insulation. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated.
• You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer—adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
• You build a new home, addition, or install new siding or roofing.
• You pay high energy bills.
• You are bothered by noise from outside—insulation muffles sound.

Source: EERE, U.S. Department of Energy

Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks

Checking your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars. A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside hot or cold temperatures, protect it against air leaks, and control moisture. You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.

Source: EERE, U.S. Department of Energy

Consider moisture and air leakage control

When installing a slab foundation and insulating it, it’s also important to consider moisture and air leakage control, as well as termite control.

Termites can tunnel undetected through exterior slab insulation to gain access to the wood framing in a home’s walls. As a result, some insurance companies won’t guarantee homes with slab insulation against termites. Building codes in several southern U.S. states prohibit installing foam insulation in contact with the ground.

“Floating” slab foundations with interior insulation provide more termite resistance. However, some builders in the southeastern United States have reported termite infestations through foam insulation on contained slabs.

To help offset termite problems, follow these guidelines:

* Provide effective moisture control systems.
* Remove all wood from around the foundation before backfilling.
* Install termite shields continuously under the sill plate of the building. The shield should project beyond the sill plate and all other portions of the exterior wall. While not 100% effective, the termite shield may deter or delay widespread infestation. It may also force termites into an exposed area where they can be detected. A continuous layer of a membrane—such as rubberized roofing material used in commercial buildings—may be used as an alternative to the termite shield.
* Use a foam insulation treated with a termiticide. Usually a derivative of boric acid, the termiticide should pose no more threat to homeowners than traditional termite treatments.

You’ll also want to regularly inspect for termites. If you use a pest control company, obtain a good warranty for its work.

Source: EERE, U.S. Department of Energy

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