Having to replace the furnace or air conditioner means having to make choices. Likewise if you are looking to replace a combined HVAC unit. At the forefront for many homeowners is the question of efficiency. Homeowners find themselves asking, “What is the most energy-efficient HVAC solution for my home?”
It turns out there isn’t just one right answer. Some HVAC solutions are more efficient than others on paper. But what looks good on paper may not bear out in reality. There are just too many factors in play.
So how does a homeowner figure it out? Through a combination of research and expert advice. Superior Water & Air is a plumbing and HVAC service provider in the greater Salt Lake City area and in Utah’s Washington County. They recommend asking your HVAC contractor plenty of questions before deciding on the best solution.
Smart Heat Pump Systems
As digital technology has evolved, smart components have made heat pump systems among the most efficient solutions in moderate climates. A heat pump is already efficient because it transfers heat from a reliable source into the home, rather than having to generate heat through an external power source. Adding smart controls to a heat pump can make it even more efficient.
Consumers have three choices when it comes to heat pump systems:
- Air Source – Extracts heat from exterior air.
- Geothermal – Extracts heat from the ground.
- Ductless Mini-Split – Smaller heat pump systems that do not require traditional ductwork.
If a heat pump has a fatal flaw, it is the fact that it might not keep up in extremely cold temperatures. At freezing or a few degrees below, a heat pump can still keep an average home warm. But as temperatures approach zero, a heat pump is less effective. Supplementing with an electric heater negates any efficiency advantages at that point.
Forced-Air Systems
Traditional forced-air systems are what most of us are familiar with. They are not as efficient as heat pump systems, but they are certainly more efficient than older coal, oil, and wood furnaces. A traditional forced-air system relies on a central blower to circulate heat and cool air (depending on the season) throughout the home.
Today’s forced air systems can also be equipped with smart components. For example, a smart thermostat offers exceptionally tight control over interior temperatures based on season, time of day, and a homeowner’s daily routine. The smartest thermostats learn artificially and adjust on the fly.
Hybrid HVAC Systems
The newest kid on the HVAC block is the hybrid system. A hybrid system combines a heat pump with an electric or fossil fuel source to both heat and cool. Better yet, hybrid systems can often be integrated with renewable solutions like solar voltaic and solar thermal.
Solar voltaic technology converts direct sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal is a bit different. It harnesses UV rays to heat a thermal liquid inside a closed system. That liquid can then be used to heat water, generate space heat, and more.
A Decision for You and Your Contractor
This post has barely scratched the surface to explain the different HVAC options available to homeowners. When push comes to shove, determining the most efficient system for your home is a decision best left to you and your contractor. A one-size-fits-all solution just does not exist.
If you are looking at replacing your furnace, air conditioner or both, do some research and then contact a local contractor. Whatever solution you ultimately decide on should meet your heating and cooling needs without requiring you to spend a boatload of money.
