According to the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® program, in the United States, approximately 6.6 tons of greenhouse gases are emitted per person every year. The energy we use in our homes often comes from burning fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain and global warming. So the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.
The experts at Coleman® Heating & Air Conditioning from Johnson Controls suggest a number of quick and easy ways homeowners can conserve energy, including:
• Installing a programmable thermostat
• Sealing heating and cooling ducts
• Buying energy-efficient appliances
• Changing the air filters in your HVAC system.
The government is also concerned about protecting the environment. The Department of Energy recently issued a mandate that requires all new, central air conditioners to have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of at least 13. SEER is similar to miles per gallon in cars; the higher the SEER, the more efficient your air-conditioning system.
An important aspect for homeowners to be aware of is that much of the improved efficiency associated with 13 SEER units is the result of an increase in the surface of the coil found in a system's outdoor unit, which is used to transport refrigerant. As a result, these outdoor units can be 50 to 90 percent larger than 10 SEER units and require as much as 40 percent more refrigerant than many indoor coils are capable of holding.
It becomes very important, then, for homeowners to select an HVAC contractor to play matchmaker with their HVAC system to correctly match the size of the indoor coil with the new, larger outdoor unit. A mismatched system can lead to lower comfort levels, a higher utility bill, increased stress on the system and higher repair costs.
A qualified, licensed and insured HVAC dealer can make sure your system is matched and installed correctly and is efficient and economical to operate. For more information, visit www.colemanac.com or call (877) 874-7378.
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