Your house is your sanctuary. You want it to be the place where you feel the most comfortable, and a big factor in finding that comfort is finding the right temperature. And in the intense heat of the summer months, and year round in some locations, having a properly working air conditioning unit makes all of the difference. But there are many things to consider when you are in the process of finding the right system for your home.
Understanding your air conditioning unit
Many people do not put a lot of thought into their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC systems, other than knowing what temperature is most pleasing. But knowing a bit about how your system works, and the impact it can have not only on your bills but on the environment as well, can change the way you operate your air conditioning unit. And if you are in the process of buying a new system or updating your current air conditioning unit, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The perfect air conditioning unit for you and your family
Naturally, you will want a system that gets the job done. You are obviously not going to be satisfied if you turn on the unit and there are areas of your home that remain too warm for comfort. But even if every room seems to be the right temperature, you would still be wise to enlist the help of a professional who can examine the efficiency of your system. Duct leakage is a common problem, even among units that tend to operate quite well. If those ducts pass through areas such as attics, garages, crawl spaces, or other areas that are not being cooled, 20% to 40% of the energy can be lost. A professional can look for other leakage problems as well, ensuring that the whole system is working properly.
Some tips to save money and energy
Whether you are installing a brand new central air system, or you are seeking AC repair for an older system, you are going to want to make your every dollar count. Of all of the electricity that is produced within the United States, an estimated 5% goes to air conditioners, which can add up to over $11 billion for homeowners every year. Ensuring there are no leaks is one vital way to reduce energy and costs. You can also manage those costs by turning off your air conditioner when you are not home for eight hours or more, or at least by raising the temperature by 10 degrees.
Taking care of the environment
Along with the amazing advancements that human beings have achieved, there has also come great devastation to the planet. Generally, at least until more recent efforts, progress in the name of mankind, technology, or society has not meant good things for the earth. But as more people are learning about the disastrously negative impact that many common practices have on the planet, things are slowly starting to turn around. Air conditioners that are manufactured today use around 50% less energy than the units that were being built and sold in 1990. If we can be conscious on every level, of the energy and resources that we are using, we can begin to restore the earth and help mend some of the damage that has already been inflicted.
There are many options when it comes to making your home the perfectly comfortable sanctuary that you envision for you and your family. Putting in a little bit extra time and effort to ensure that both your bank account and the environment will do better in the long run is absolutely worth it.