So you’re the proud owner of an HVAC system. What comes next?
Efficiency and performance.
It’s not enough to just own an HVAC system. The next step is strategizing to get the most out of your system with the least amount of dollars. Sometimes, an HVAC upgrade can be the best investment in pushing your HVAC system’s performance that extra mile.
In this post, we’ll go over three ways to strengthen your HVAC system.
1. Whole House Fan System
If you know the basics of HVAC efficiency, you know that 24/7 dependency on your air conditioning is one of the most common reasons for high monthly energy bills. Even if you run your air conditioning on a more stringent schedule—activating it only when needed—you’ll still be subjecting yourself to hours of the day without comfort.
To help alleviate this burden, the whole house fan system is your best option. This device is essentially a large, powerful fan installed in your ceiling. In some climates, when combined with other types of fans, it’s powerful enough to substitute for an air conditioning system.
So what about when combined with an air conditioner? In this case, you can get away with running your house fan in the mornings or afternoons. During the middle of the day, when it’s hottest, your AC can do all the heavy lifting.
Typically, the biggest drawback of whole house fans is the amount of noise they produce. However, certain models like the QuietCool have resolved this problem, making whole house fans an optimal upgrade for your HVAC system.
2. Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilators
Indoor air quality is the measure of pollutants in a home. Better IAQ is essential to the health of you and your family. One way to cover this need is with heat and energy recovery ventilators (HRV and ERV respectively).
Many homeowners unwittingly lower their IAQ by closing all their doors and windows before running their AC. Although this is the correct thing to do, it comes with the drawback of trapping the same air in your home. The air will become stale and eventually dry out, lowering your humidity down to uncomfortable levels.
An HRV, then, is an extra ventilator that will allow fresh air into your home without letting out the cool air. An ERV has a similar function, with the added benefit of also allowing humidity in. These devices will bring your IAQ back up to better standards, lowering the risks of health issues.
3. Air Sealing
If cool air is equivalent to money, then any leak in the home is contributing to wasted dollars. The best solution against this is through air sealing.
The concept behind air sealing is as simple as it sounds. The less air that escapes, the more cool air your home retains, meaning less energy is wasted on cooling your home.
A thorough air sealing eliminates leaks from nearly everywhere, including windows, doors, ducts, flooring, electric outlets, and more. Methods of sealing depend on the job but can include caulking, weatherstripping, and attic air sealing.
Need help with upgrading your HVAC in Sacramento CA? Contact Sierra Pacific today!