Programmable thermostats are becoming the new norm in many American homes. When used correctly, they can positively affect your home, comfort and bank account. If you have considered making the switch, here are a few things to know.
Savings on your utility bill
Did you know that just one degree can translate to 2 percent savings on the utility bill? A programmable thermostat lets you adjust the temperature when you’re not home. This lets you keep a house warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter during away times. You can also set it lower or raise the temperature according to a schedule that follows the routine in your household.
Tired of constantly adjusting the dial on your old thermostat? We often turn the temperature up or down during hot or cold spells. However, programmable units can maintain a consistent temperature in any season, and you can fine tune or adjust the temperature in the entire home, or in one or two zones if your equipment is set up for it.
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Questions to ask:
- Is the contractor licensed, bonded and insured?
- Will the contractor provide you with a detailed bid, including a scope of work?
- Will the manufacturer and contractor provide any warranties on the equipment and/or labor?
- Will the contractor provide follow-up maintenance on the new equipment
- Will the contractor provide references?
- Does the contractor hold any advanced certifications?
The North American Technician Excellence or NATE certification is nationally recognized and validates a technician’s knowledge in air conditioning, air distribution and gas furnaces.
The HVAC Excellence Certification can be issued for a professional-level specialist or a master-level specialist. Each level is awarded based on field experience and comprehensive exams about functioning and installation.
The North American Technician Excellence or NATE certification is nationally recognized and validates a technician’s knowledge in air conditioning, air distribution and gas furnaces.
Don’t hesitate to seek several bids
During the bid process, the contractor should thoroughly inspect the space, the ductwork, airflow, etc. and be open to answering questions. It is also recommended that you reach out to the references provided by the contractor. It is vital for the consumer to properly and thoroughly vet the contractor to guarantee proper and professional installation of the system.
Know your HVAC system terminology
Two key factors used in determining the proper sizing of a unit are “tonnage” and “SEER.” When a contractor refers to tonnage, he or she is referring to the amount of heat (measured British Thermal Units, or BTUs) that the air-conditioning unit can remove from a space in one hour. It takes one ton of air conditioning to remove 12,000 BTUs of air per hour, two tons of air conditioning to remove 24,000 BTUs of air per hour and so on. The proper SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is also important to keep the air conditioning running efficiently. SEER is the cooling output of an air conditioner during a cooling season divided by the Watt-Hour energy it uses. The U.S. Department of Energy regulates the minimum standard SEER for air conditioners depending on geographical location that ranges from 13 to 21. A higher SEER rating provides greater energy efficiency.
Talk about size
A well-qualified contractor will also determine if the size of the system is enough to heat and cool the home efficiently. The consumer should not assume that the new system will be the same size as the existing unit. Factors such as location, insulation, square footage, air flow, and more will determine the size of the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is too big, it will cycle on and off rapidly. This will cool the space quickly but will undermine the energy-efficient design. If the air conditioner is too small, it will not be able to cool the entire space and will run constantly. If the air conditioner is properly sized, however, it will cycle on and off at energy-efficient intervals that will keep the space comfortable.
A Hammock’s HVAC system professional can discuss all of these factors with you as you learn about HVAC. Call us today to find out more about Hammock’s HVAC, and talk about how we can save you money by upgrading your HVAC system!
