The Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Star program can save you money! The Energy Star program is backed by research and technologies generated by the United States government and specializes in creating equipment and programs that result in significant energy savings.
The program includes areas of specialization such as
- energy efficient equipment
- professional installations
- maintenance of HVAC systems
- ways to improve energy efficiency for HVAC systems
HVAC Efficiency
In regard to getting the most out of your HVAC equipment, Energy Star offers guidelines as to how to maintain your equipment. They also offer suggestions regarding how to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home by giving guidelines for every area of the home. They can help you make decisions about when to replace old heating and cooling systems while also showing you which products have received the Energy Star.
Checklists and Guidelines
Consider, for instance the following Energy Star checklist for maintaining your HVAC system.
- Make sure your thermostat is working correctly by determining if it is turning on and off at the correct times and achieving the requested temperature.
- All electrical connections should be tight and the voltage should be accurate measured for the motors being used.
- You should keep all mechanical parts correctly lubricated.
- Inspect the condensate drain and the drain lines for possible clogging and build up of mold.
- Change your air filter on a regular basis.
- Keep your HVAC equipment tuned up by having a yearly maintenance contract with a local HVAC provider.
- Check your system controls for operational efficiency.
- Keep all coils clean for maximum output of the HVAC system.
- Keep all refrigerant levels at correct pressures.
- Insure proper air flow by inspecting all blower motors and fans.
- Inspect all heat exchangers, burner combustion, gas pressure, fuel connections, and exhaust piping for correct functioning.
Energy Star Installation Tips
Another area where Energy Star can help is offering guidelines for an installation that is in line with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s(ACCA) installation specifications.
- HVAC systems should be properly sized with all factors taken into consideration instead of using a “rule of thumb” procedure that may oversize the unit for your home.
- All ducts should be sealed correctly. An HVAC system is a closed system and any drop in air pressure can negatively impact the system’s performance.
- HVAC systems should have a proper and accurate refrigerant charge.
- All air flow systems should be properly sized.
- A proper installation should include the installer creating enough space around all units so that proper maintenance and repair may be done in the future.
- The installer should make use of the latest technologies, which includes a programmable thermostat. It should be completely programmed and you should be shown how to operate it.
- Knowing when and how to change air filters is important for the life of the unit and your indoor air quality. You should be shown these things during the installation process.
- The condenser coil should be situated in a location that is safe and protected from natural occurences.
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Energy Star program are all about saving the earth’s natural resources, creating energy efficient technologies and procedures, while also saving the American consumer significant amounts of money on their energy expenditure per year.
You may see more ways regarding how the Energy Star program many help save you money by navigating to www.energystar.gov.
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