In cold climates, homeowners usually pay a high gas bill and a lower electric bill because they use their gas furnace more than they do their air conditioner. But in hot climates like the American South, the opposite is generally true: homeowners don't use their gas furnaces nearly as much as they use their air conditioning systems, which can result in annual electric bills that are significantly above the national average. If you live in Atlanta and are looking for a solution to your high annual electric bills, chances are that the optimal solution will focus primarily on implementing an air conditioning system that doesn't use as much electricity. But in order to realize the optimal temperature control solution, you can't expect for an air conditioning repair supplier to know the right solution simply because they service homes in the south. Below, we list three things that you should look for in an air conditioning repair company as you search for an energy efficient heating and cooling solution.
Familiarity with Warm-Climate Weatherization Measures
In the 1990's, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) discovered that states in warm regions were saving less energy than states in cold regions due to increased air conditioning usage. As a result, in 1994, the DOE issued regulations for increasing cooling efficiency for homes in warmer climates. These measures include: providing circulating fans that circulate inside air, implementing ventilating fans that draw in cool air at night and addressing duct system inefficiency. A heating and cooling company with knowledge of these measures can work with you to develop a cooling system that depends on more than what kind of air conditioner you use. For example, a company that is familiar with the DOE's regulations will likely perform an analysis of your ductwork instead of immediately advising you to replace your central air conditioning unit.
Energy Efficient Cooling Equipment
Although implementing the DOE's regulations can help reduce your annual electric bill, reducing it as much as possible usually involves replacing old AC systems with energy efficient systems. While energy efficient technology usually costs more than traditional technology upfront, it can bring long-term savings in the form of reduced utility costs that more than exceeds the price differential between energy efficient and non-energy efficient technology. The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is based on its numerical SEER rating, with the higher numbers indicating higher energy efficiency. Implementing an energy efficient central air conditioner can require a significant investment, but the return on that investment is always worth it.
A Consummate Inspection of Your Home's Cooling Profile
In order to arrive at a solution that makes the most financial sense, a heating and cooling company must perform a comprehensive analysis of your home's cooling needs. In addition to determining the size of air conditioner that you need based on your home's square footage, a responsible heating and cooling company will also analyze your cooling needs in relation to the following aspects of your dwelling: the presence of direct shade, window placement, energy efficiency rating of doors and windows and building envelop or lack thereof. Only with these factors in mind can a heating and cooling professional make sensible recommendations for cooling your home in a more energy efficient manner.
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