HEATING & COOLING

The largest energy consuming appliances in any home are the space conditioning devices. Heating and cooling interior spaces can be done with a variety of fuels and equipment. Heating is typically done with natural gas, heating oil, electricity, or bio-fuels. Heat producing devices include furnaces, boilers, air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, electric resistance devices, etc. Heat delivery systems include forced air, hydronic, convective, and radiant. Air conditioning is generally done with electricity.

Studies and testing have revealed that most heating systems are very inefficient. This is due to improper design, poor installation, and poor calibration and pressure/temperature balancing. Although a forced air furnace may have a nameplate efficiency rating of 92-95%, and a ground-source heat pump (geothermal) may have a nameplate efficiency of 300-350%, those ratings are only accurate for the furnace units as they leave the factory. Unfortunately, the installation of the ductwork system and controls can reduce the actual installed efficiency by as much as 30%. Very significant energy and cost savings can be realized by making sure that your heating and cooling systems are properly tested and adjusted to maximize their delivered energy efficiency.

In both new and retrofit construction projects, it is important to have the heating and cooling systems inspected and adjusted/repaired by a reputable energy analysis firm. Few HVAC contractors offer this service.

What Makes Heating and Cooling Green?
Energy Efficiency
Proper Installation
Utilization of Natural Energy Sources
Green Refrigerants

5 Considerations for Consumers:

1. Realize that the stated efficiency of a heating or cooling appliance is the nameplate efficiency only - installed efficiency may be much lower if the installation is not performed properly
2. All heating and cooling systems need to be adjusted and balanced to provide maximum delivered energy to the home
3. Ductwork running through unconditioned spaces needs to be heavily insulated
4. Install and learn to use a programmable thermostat
5. Federal, state, and utility incentives can make highly efficient systems like geothermal heat pumps more affordable