How Energy Efficient Are Heat Pumps?

Are you looking for a more energy-efficient way to heat your home during the winter? Instead of replacing your furnace, a heat pump might be a better option. Many San Antonio homeowners believe that heat pumps are only used for heating a home, but these units provide much more for your family. What Is a Heat Pump? Despite the name, a heat pump actually offers heating and cooling for your home. The unit works by extracting heat from the outdoor air, soil, or water. During the winter, the extracted heat is pushed into your home to keep your family warm. In the summer, the heat pump removes heat from the air inside your home and recirculates it. Benefits of a Heat Pump If you are interested in learning more about heat pumps, call the experts at . Some of the benefits of these compact units are: Lower cost of operation Less maintenance compared to standalone furnaces and air conditioners Safer than natural gas units Environmentally friendly Provides heating and cooling in a single unit Lasts longer than other types of HVAC equipment Best Conditions for Heat Pumps Heat pumps are recommended for moderate climates, such as the San Antonio area....

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Your Guide to Understanding How SEER Ratings Work

If you are in the market for a new HVAC system, you will notice that a machine’s SEER rating is frequently discussed. This rating provides crucial insight into how an HVAC unit works, so it helps to understand what a SEER rating is and why it matters. Ultimately, getting the right SEER rating can save you hundreds of dollars. What Does a SEER Rating Mean? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating on a machine tells how much power the system will use to cool a home. The SEER scale uses lower numbers for a less-efficient machine and higher numbers for one that is more efficient. Typically, the SEER rating you see on an AC system will be its maximum rating. This means that the system will operate at that SEER level when run in optimal conditions, but its SEER rating may drop if you take too long between maintenance appointments or do other things to impair efficiency. SEER ratings for residential machines can range from as low as eight to as high as 27. Modern air conditioners are required to reach a rating of at least 13 SEER by the U.S. Department of Energy. A SEER...

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5 Ways to Save Energy this Fall

Autumn brings lower temperatures, and you’ll want to be prepared for them. This means more than just having a well-maintained heating system, though. The following are five tips that can help you save on your energy bills. 1. Preventing Drafts Drafts will suck the warm air right out of your home, so weatherstripping will be in order. You can seal cracks in doors and windows with caulking, spray foam or foam tape. Also, consider more energy-efficient windows like double-pane windows. 2. Adding Insulation Chances are that your home has inadequate levels of insulation in the attic and wall cavities. After you find out what type of insulation you have and what its R-value is, you can add to the preexisting insulation or replace it entirely with insulation that boasts a higher R-value. The higher the R-value, the more resistance to heat flow. 3. Programming the Thermostat Try not to forget to program the thermostat before long trips. That way, you won’t return to a freezing home and make your heater run for an inordinate length of time to get the temperature back to normal. 4. Maintain Good Airflow in the Ducts Heating systems wear down when airflow is hindered by...

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Ways to Lower Your Winter Heating Bills

Winter heating bills can be a strain on your budget even though they are a necessary expense. To save money on heating your home, your furnace needs to run less frequently and more efficiently. Here are some tips that will keep your house warm at a lower price. Upgrade Your Thermostat A modern thermostat can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20%. New smart thermostats can be programmed to keep your house comfortable when people are home and cooler when it is empty. Some thermostats can even learn your heating habits over time, giving you that much more control over your costs. When the furnace is off an extra 10 minutes each day, you will have over an hour of savings every week. Seal Your Home Cracks and gaps allow cold air to creep into your home, forcing your heating system to work harder. As the heating season begins, you will want to search your home for any drafty places. Fill the leaks you find around doors or windows. Use a draft stopper at the bottom of your doors, especially those that are not used frequently. If you are able to take on a larger project, adding insulation...

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Finding the Best Heating System for Your Home

Heating your house, especially during the coldest months of the year, is essential. To be sure of the best heating, you have to buy the right systems. There are many systems available, but you need to be sure of what they can do. If you have decided to replace your home heating unit, consider these factors when buying a new one. Choose an Energy-Efficient Heating System Getting a heating system is not only about making your home warm and cozy. It’s also important to ensure that as you enjoy the warmth, you also keep energy costs low. It will not be a good idea to spend more than you should on these systems when other options can help you pay less over time. Always check the energy rating to know if the system you are thinking about buying is the right fit for your home and budget. Compatibility With Your Home Connections Unless you are considering a total overhaul, you should look for a system that is compatible with your existing home connections. Maybe you want to use your old air duct with the new installation or you want to connect it to the old energy supply. If you do...

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How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

The HVAC system in your San Antonio home uses a considerable amount of energy to keep it comfortable. In fact, heating and cooling generally use the largest amount of electricity compared to appliances, lighting and other electrical items in homes. You can make your home more energy-efficient with some HVAC tips. Change Your Air Filter Regularly Leaving your air filter in your HVAC system for months at a time means that it gets dirty and affects airflow. This causes your HVAC system to come on more often and work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Replacing the air filter every few months or more often helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. You should check it once a month and change it if you have pets in your home since it’s likely to be covered with pet dander, along with dust and other debris. Install a New Thermostat If you still have a manual thermostat, you can make your home more energy-efficient by replacing it with a smart or programmable one. With these thermostats, you don’t have to remember to adjust the temperature settings, such as at night or before you leave the house for the day....

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