HVAC System Efficiency Assessments

Key Aspects of an HVAC Energy Audit:

• System Age & Performance Evaluation

  • Older HVAC units (typically over 10-15 years old) are less efficient than modern energy-efficient models.

  • Technicians will assess the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioners and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) for furnaces to determine their energy consumption.

• Airflow and Ductwork Inspection

  • Restricted airflow due to leaky, blocked, or poorly insulated ducts can waste energy.

  • Technicians use thermal imaging cameras or airflow meters to detect duct leakage.

• HVAC System Sizing Evaluation

  • An oversized or undersized unit can lead to inefficiencies, increased wear and tear, and inconsistent temperatures.

  • Technicians use Manual J Load Calculations to ensure the HVAC system is properly sized for the home’s square footage and insulation levels.

• Energy Star Compliance Check

  • Technicians can check if your HVAC system meets Energy Star standards and recommend higher-efficiency replacements if necessary.

High-Efficiency HVAC System Recommendations

Efficient HVAC System Upgrades:

• Energy Star-Certified Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps

  • New high-SEER (16+ SEER) AC units consume significantly less energy than older models.

  • Variable-speed heat pumps provide superior efficiency compared to single-stage models.

• High-Efficiency Furnaces

  • Modern furnaces with 90%+ AFUE ratings waste less heat and save on fuel costs.

• Geothermal Heat Pumps

  • Geothermal systems use underground thermal energy for heating and cooling, offering some of the highest efficiency ratings available.

• Ductless Mini-Split Systems

  • Mini-splits provide zoned heating and cooling without the inefficiencies of traditional ducted systems, reducing energy loss by up to 30%.

• Smart HVAC Systems

  • Technicians can install Wi-Fi-enabled HVAC systems that adapt to usage patterns for automated energy savings.

Smart Thermostat Installation & Optimization

Benefits of Smart Thermostat Consultations:

• Learning Capabilities

  • Smart thermostats, such as the Nest Learning Thermostat or Ecobee SmartThermostat, adapt to a homeowner’s habits and adjust settings automatically.

• Remote Control & Scheduling

  • Homeowners can adjust temperatures remotely via smartphone apps, ensuring they are not heating or cooling an empty house.

• Energy Usage Reports

  • Many smart thermostats track energy consumption and offer customized tips to reduce waste.

• Zoned Temperature Control

  • HVAC technicians may recommend zoning systems, where multiple thermostats control different areas of a home for targeted efficiency.

Ductwork Efficiency Consultation

Duct Efficiency Improvements:

• Duct Sealing

  • Technicians inspect for leaks using aerosol sealing or mastic sealant to prevent air loss.

• Duct Insulation

  • Insulating ducts in attics, crawl spaces, or unconditioned areas prevents temperature loss, improving efficiency.

• Airflow Balancing

  • Ensuring proper duct sizing and balancing dampers can distribute air evenly, reducing the strain on HVAC systems.

Home Insulation & Weatherization Assessment

Key Weatherization Services:

• Blown-in Attic Insulation

  • Helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

• Wall & Crawl Space Insulation

  • HVAC professionals may suggest spray foam or fiberglass insulation to improve energy retention.

• Sealing Air Leaks

  • Identifying and sealing gaps around windows, doors, and vents using weather stripping or caulking prevents energy loss.

• Window & Door Upgrades

  • Technicians may recommend double-pane or Low-E windows to reduce heat transfer and improve insulation.

Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation Optimization

Energy-Saving Ventilation Strategies:

• Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) & Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)

  • These systems precondition incoming fresh air, reducing the HVAC load and improving air circulation.

• Exhaust Fan Upgrades

  • Upgrading to Energy Star-certified exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens ensures efficient moisture control.

• Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

  • Reducing indoor humidity levels improves comfort and reduces AC runtime, cutting energy costs.

Preventative Maintenance for Energy Savings

Regular Maintenance Services:

• Filter Replacements (every 1-3 months) to improve airflow.

• Cleaning AC Coils & Heat Exchangers to maintain efficiency.

• Checking Refrigerant Levels for proper cooling performance.

• Lubricating Moving Parts to reduce mechanical wear.

• Testing Thermostat Accuracy for optimal temperature control.

Renewable Energy & Alternative HVAC Solutions

Eco-Friendly HVAC Solutions:

• Solar-Powered HVAC Systems

  • Solar-assisted heat pumps and air conditioners use renewable energy, reducing reliance on electricity.

• Geothermal Heating & Cooling

  • Uses underground heat for energy-efficient climate control year-round.

• Hybrid Heating Systems

  • Combines a high-efficiency heat pump with a traditional furnace, using the most efficient fuel source based on temperature conditions.