In the modern world, when it is becoming increasingly important to preserve energy and lessen our impact on the environment, human beings need to do everything they can to ensure that energy is not wasted and any appliances and machines we use are efficient in their energy consumption. Finding a reliable HVAC company is key.
It is estimated that around half of the energy consumed by the average household goes towards temperature regulation, whether it’s cooling down a hot home or warming up a cold one. Research by BRE suggests that in 2010 cooling in air con systems accounted for around a tenth of total UK energy consumption and by 2012, around 65% of UK offices and 30% of retail buildings in the UK had air con. These levels have continued to increase which is why it is especially crucial to invest in an HVAC system that is energy-efficient, something that will help you to save on energy bills and cut down on your environmental impact.
A progression of energy efficiency
Early HVAC systems tended to be very inefficient in their energy consumption given the lack of modern technology that we can use today. Many households and offices that are running outdated HVAC systems will be wasting a lot more energy compared to newer systems which use the latest technology, although this isn’t always the case.
Be sure to ask your supplier about the energy efficiency of a system that you are interested in so that you’re not investing in an inefficient HVAC unit. There are units of measurement which indicate how energy-efficient an HVAC system is – the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is an excellent way of measuring efficiency.
How to improve energy efficiency
Although many will choose to outright replace their HVAC system, especially if they are operating one that is 10 or more years old, this can be expensive and isn’t the only solution available if you are on a budget.
Retrofitting
Retrofitting is a term used to describe replacing only certain parts and components of an HVAC system rather than paying for an entirely new one. This can be an effective solution if some components of your HVAC system are perfectly fine, but others are draining energy. In general, if you have kept your HVAC system well maintained over the years retrofitting is a suitable solution as many parts of your unit will still be in good health.
Automated systems
With modern technology it is possible to install automated systems within HVAC units that can measure and regulate the temperature to ensure optimum performance. One of the biggest causes of inefficient energy consumption is due to human error rather than the HVAC system itself, as many individuals and companies will leave the system on for too long. With an automated system you can ensure that you are only using as much energy as you need.
Frequent maintenance checks
Getting your HVAC system checked out regularly is a very effective way of maintaining optimum energy consumption, especially if your HVAC unit is in frequent usage. In order to do this you will need to bring in professionals to perform maintenance work, which can consist of everything from a quick tune-up to replacing parts.