4 Efficient HVAC Systems

With the changing of the leaves in Lenoir City, Tennessee, the beauty of the season may also have you thinking of the coming winter and those heavy-duty energy bills that come with the cold weather. Now is the perfect time to optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system or change it up completely. A few examples of efficient HVAC systems are below.

Consider a Ductless HVAC System

Ductless HVAC units link small, individual units to a compressor located outdoors. Rather than one central unit connected by ductwork to move heat and cool air throughout the house, this system situates individual units in each room or area. They run quieter and are more energy-efficient. If the room is not in use, simply turn it off or lower the temperature. With no ductwork in use, there is no lost heat or air due to leaks from cracks and holes in the ductwork. Choose from a recessed unit, a ceiling register, or a floor-mounted system to complement your room’s decor.

Opt for a Variable-Speed HVAC System

Traditional HVAC units are single-speed systems that constantly run at full power. Choosing a variable-speed unit allows for multiple settings based on your programming. This allows the HVAC system to match your heating and cooling needs by constantly running at a lower speed and automatically adjusting as needed. The amount of energy is reduced simply by running slower and your indoor air quality will improve based on the constant filtering of your indoor air. Just remember to check the filter monthly to keep the air clean and avoid blockage.

Zoned HVAC Systems Offer More Control

Rather than setting a temperature for each room, as with the ductless system, you can control individual home areas with a zoned HVAC system. Using the existing ductwork and vents, a professional can place zone dampers or controlling zone valves into the existing material to block the air based on your specifications. They can also be built into new construction.

If your family uses the kitchen and family room more during the day time, that area can be a designated zone with the heat programmed for comfort while the rooms are occupied and the temperature reduced at night while everyone is in bed. Reversing this scenario, the bedrooms can be kept cooler in the day while unoccupied and the heat turned up at night with these rooms in a shared zone. This will save money and energy by only heating or cooling occupied rooms when needed.

Separate thermostats can be situated with each zone and manually programmed, or you can install a smart thermostat and program them via an app, giving access to multiple family members or limiting it to certain adults in the house.

Try Out a Heat Pump

An alternative to the traditional electricity-based systems is the heat pump. This system uses refrigerant to absorb heat and transfer it into another location using a heat exchanger. Heat is generated by energy rather than electricity. The heat pump can lower your energy costs as electricity is only used for the transfer of heat and not the initial generation. The heat pump averages around a 15-year lifespan and a geothermal heat pump can last up to 50 years.

While you’re saving money on electricity use, you’re also lowering your home’s carbon emissions with the heat pump and helping to save the environment when you opt for this system.

With the addition of alternative heating methods, efficiency has greatly increased over the years. Whether you opt for a ductless system or a zoned system, now is the time to rethink your current HVAC unit and start saving on your energy bill going into the winter season.

If you’re still on the fence with any of these examples, or would like to know about more options, our professionals at Cook’s Comfort Systems, Inc. will be happy to answer your questions. Give us a call at 865-248-5001, and we’ll schedule an appointment for one of our service professionals to come to you.

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