LONG-TERM SAVINGS FOR LONG-TERM VALUE
- Energy Efficiency: Blown in insulation is much more airtight than standard insulation that comes in the form of rolled batting. The blown material is smaller and able to get into tiny cracks and crevices of your attic, where air typically leaks through. This versatile material can fill in around beams, pipes, and other uniquely shaped objects and spaces. Its ability to seal tightly makes it a much better and more energy-efficient solution than rolled batting. It is also moisture resistant, so it prevents mold, odor, and rot from creeping into your home.
- Materials: There are two main types of insulation used today. Fiberglass can come in both rolled batting and blown forms, while cellulose comes in blown form only. Fiberglass is made up of recycled glass and sand, both renewable and abundant resources, making it an eco-friendly solution for the home and environment. It is also one of the most thoroughly tested insulation products on the market today. Cellulose is made from recycled, environmentally safe materials as well, but has been through very little health and safety testing. Blown in cellulose can settle up to 20%, losing R-value over time, while fiberglass insulation has very little to no settling.
- Cost: Like many other high quality and energy-efficient materials, blown in insulation can be more costly than lower quality alternatives, but it can create substantial savings in your energy bills. The extra cost spent on installation will typically be recovered by your utility savings over the next 2-4 years.
- Noise: Due to its airtight seal, this type of insulation is better able to prevent noise from traveling through walls. Whether your neighbors are the problem, or you’re tired of hearing the pounding rain and crashing thunder as if it’s inside your house, this insulation will act as a sound buffer, giving you the quiet that you need.
- Installation: Installing blown in insulation is a very quick and easy procedure. Kneeling down on the floor for hours upon hours is no longer an essential part of the process. The material is simply blown out of a hose into the space to create a seamless thermal protective blanket of insulation.
- Fire Resistance: This airtight material is excellent for reducing the risk of fires. Its fire retardant capabilities are due to the tight sealing that prevents air from flowing through small spaces and fueling the flame.
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
HSPF measures a heat pump’s energy efficiency over one heating season combined with its SEER value over one cooling season. The HSPF formula is a little more complicated than SEER. The HSPF rating uses BTU to calculate useful heating output (including electric heat) divided by the total electric energy the heat pump consumed (in watt/hr) during the heating season.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
SEER rating measures the efficiency of central air conditioners or heat pumps over a theoretical cooling season. This simple ratio is determined by the amount of cooling provided by the air conditioner (measured in BTUs) with the amount of energy the central system consumes (measured in watts/hr). So if you see a system that is rated at 22 SEER, that means it actually produces 22 BTUs of cooling per watt-hour.
Remember that a SEER number is theoretical. Your energy usage patterns, as well as proper equipment sizing and installation, are what determine actual efficiency.
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
AFUE measures average efficiency for furnaces, boilers and water heaters. This is a measurement for a theoretical heating season (not including electricity).
For SEER, HSPF and AFUE, higher numbers signify higher energy efficiency. These numbers are then used in the following two energy rating programs:
EnergyGuide label: Manufacturers of heating and cooling equipment are required to display the EnergyGuide label. This label estimates how much energy the equipment uses, compares energy use of similar products and gives approximate annual operating costs. Exact costs depend on usage, local utility rates and the type and source of your energy.
ENERGY STAR® certification: ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary energy awareness program developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Champion® high-efficiency systems are labeled with ENERGY STAR® to identify products that are at least 15 percent more efficient than standard products.
Increase Efficiency with the Right Size Equipment
Many homeowners make the mistake of installing equipment that is too big. Aside from wasting energy, an improperly sized heating and cooling system can create uneven temperatures, poor humidity control and maintenance problems over time. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent.
Avoid this pitfall of improperly sized equipment with high-efficiency equipment, which could easily reduce your annual energy bill by hundreds of dollars. Products like programmable thermostats can save you even more with improved energy savings, home comfort and assurance that your equipment is operating at its most efficient.
Energy savings can start as soon as today. Talk to us, your local Elite Champion® Dealer about high-efficiency residential HVAC products.
We Install AC Units in Killeen, Copperas Cove and Kempner, TX
5 WAYS TO TELL IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR AC UNIT
When the time comes around to replace your air conditioning unit, there are some obvious signs its days are numbered. Here are five ways to tell it’s time to upgrade your AC system to a new model.
- Your AC unit leaks
- Your AC unit is out of warranty and more than 10 years old
- Your AC unit makes strange noises
- Your AC unit needs constant repairs
- Your AC unit isn’t producing cold air
If your air conditioning unit has one or more of these issues, it is time to call the pros at The Coolest Air to install a new unit. You’ll love the new energy-efficient models on the market today.
Consider this, when using our easy monthly payment options, owning a higher efficiency system could actually pay for itself with the monthly energy savings!
Our experts at The Coolest Air have more than 10 years of experience installing AC units across Copperas Cove and Kempner, TX. We offer free estimates on system replacements and competitive prices for AC installations.
Call (254) 278-7800 to schedule an appointment with the pros at The Coolest Air for an in home visit and a free estimate.
