We have good news! The residential market’s Section 25C federal efficiency tax credits have been renewed. Congress recently passed legislation that renewed the tax credits for 2020 and made them retroactive to 2018. What does that mean for you? If you’re a homeowner, you might be eligible to claim the federal tax credits equal to 10% of the installation costs and a maximum credit of $500 for qualified HVAC improvements.
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Heat pumps are a great way to provide energy-efficient cooling in Southwest Florida, and many models can provide heating as well, for the rare chilly day. If you are thinking about replacing your current system with a newer, more energy-efficient model, there are a few things to consider prior to your heat pump upgrade.
The Condition of Your Current System
If your system is more than 15 years old, requires frequent repairs or has major problems like a failing compressor or blower motor, a heat pump upgrade may be well worth the cost, especially if it has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, of 12 or less. If your system is younger and in relatively good operating condition, it may be more cost-effective to wait for a few more years, until the operating and repair costs become excessive.
Heat Pump Efficiency Improvements
Many older heat pumps were rated at less than 12 or even 10 SEER. Today’s models are often rated at 14 to 16 SEER, and the most efficient models earn a rating of over 23 SEER. With energy-saving design improvements like variable-speed scroll compressors, two-speed or variable speed blower motors, and better coil designs, the latest heat pumps can reduce your cooling costs significantly.
New Comfort Technologiespgrade, talk to our team at Conditioned Air, serving the Naples, Ft. Myers and Sarasota areas since 1962.
Keeping utility costs under control in Southwest Florida can be a challenge, especially as peak air conditioning season arrives. By taking a few simple measures to control your energy consumption, however, you can reduce your utility bills, while helping the environment.
Have the Air Conditioning System Serviced
Routine maintenance, such as changing the air filter and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, will help the air conditioning system to transfer heat and move air more efficiently. Not only does this reduce energy costs, but it also helps to extend the life of the system. Adding a programmable thermostat and setting it to raise the temperature 5 degrees anytime you are away from home can also lower your energy consumption significantly.
Reduce Heat Gain
Another way to reduce energy usage is by eliminating some of the extra heat produced in your home, making the job of the air conditioner easier. Use shades and blinds during the daytime to block the heat of the sun, and open the windows during cooler periods for natural ventilation and cooling. Avoid using heat-generating appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers and ovens during the day, and wait until the evening when it is cooler to cook or bathe. When the air conditioning system is installed, place the outdoor unit in a shady location, if possible, or consider adding some shade.
Use Efficient Appliances
Choosing the right appliances and electronics can have a significant impact on your energy costs. When replacing older models, purchase the most efficient versions possible, such as those that are Energy Star-rated. Turn off appliances, lights and electronics when they are not in use, and consider using outlet strips to completely turn off devices that have a continuous power draw, such as televisions and cable boxes. Replace older incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL or LED models, and turn down your water heater to 120 degrees, instead of the typical 140-degree factory setting.
For more tips to reduce energy consumption, talk to our HVAC professionals at Conditioned Air today. We have been serving the Southwest Florida area, from Bradenton to Marco Island, since 1962.
Now that the weather is a bit cooler in Southwest Florida, and the demand on your air conditioning system is lower, it is the perfect time to consider upgrading if your system is showing its age.
Here are a few of the many benefits you can expect when upgrading your air conditioner:
Improved Energy Efficiency
Today’s air conditioning systems use much less energy than systems made even 10 or 15 years ago, which will significantly reduce the amount of money you spend cooling your home each month. The energy efficiency of an air conditioning system is represented by a rating known as its SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, with a higher number being the most efficient. Older systems could have a SEER of as low as 6 to 10, while today’s minimum is 13 SEER, and the most efficient systems earn ratings of 20 SEER or above, making them comparable in savings to ductless heating and cooling systems.
Better Sizing Methods
Many older air conditioners were sized for a home using rough estimates based on square footage alone. This often lead to systems that were smaller, or, more often, larger than necessary, which results in inefficient operation and increased maintenance costs. Today’s professional HVAC technicians use a Manual J load calculation to properly size air conditioning and heating systems, which accounts for not only the size of the home, but also the number of rooms, the interior layout, the type of insulation, the number of occupants and many other factors. This ensures a much more efficient setup and pairs well with maximizing energy efficiency using a thermostat.
New Technologies
Not only will upgrading your air conditioner result in better energy efficiency and lower cooling costs, but you will also be able to enjoy the latest technologies for improved comfort and convenience, such as advanced options found in mini split air conditioner systems. Many of today’s most popular systems feature improved coil designs that cool more efficiently, variable speed compressors or fans that improve comfort, optional zoning systems that allow independent temperature adjustments in different areas, and optional WiFi thermostats that save energy and are easily programmed.
Question: What improvements in energy efficiency can I expect when upgrading my AC unit?
Answer: Modern air conditioners have much higher SEER ratings compared to units from 10‑15 years ago. Older systems might have SEERs of 6‑10, while today’s units start at 13 SEER and many high‑end models reach 20 or above. This translates to lower monthly cooling costs.
Question: Why is accurate sizing of a new AC system important?
Answer: If an AC is too small it can’t sufficiently cool the space; if too large, it cycles on/off inefficiently, increasing wear and energy usage. Professionals now use a Manual J load calculation considering room count, insulation, home layout, and other factors to size the unit properly.
Question: What newer technologies are available in modern air conditioners?
Answer: Upgrades often include improved coil designs, variable‑speed compressors or fans, zoning systems for independent control of different areas, and smart or WiFi thermostats. These enhance comfort, reduce wasted energy, and offer more precise control.
For more information about upgrading your air conditioner, talk to our team at Conditioned Air, serving the Naples and Sarasota areas.
A programmable thermostat is a relativity inexpensive upgrade for your HVAC system that makes it easy to adjust the temperature of your home automatically according to your schedule. With the correct programmable thermostat settings, you can save over 10 percent on your cooling costs without sacrificing your comfort or changing your routine, similar to the benefits of a home service agreement plan.
Setting Your Programmable Thermostat
When your home is unoccupied, keeping it cooled to your preferred temperature wastes money and energy while adding unnecessary wear and tear to your air conditioning system. By raising the temperature 5 to 10 degrees while you are at work or away, you can save significant amounts of money.
Then, by returning the temperature to normal about an hour or so before you come home (depending on how long it takes your air conditioner to respond), you can ensure that your home will be comfortable when you arrive. Similarly, you can increase the savings by raising the temperature a few degrees while you sleep.
During cooler weather, you can modify the programmable thermostat settings to only turn the system on during the hottest parts of the day, and use other forms of ventilation, such as open windows and fans, to cool your home inexpensively, making it an effective complement to an ongoing HVAC service contract.
Types of Programmable Thermostats
Standard programmable thermostats use a simple display and a few buttons to enter your settings. They come in several varieties, including models with one program for the week and one for the weekend, versions that have a weekday program and two weekend programs, and models that feature one program for each day. Each program offers several set points, programmable by time and temperature, which can be even more effective when combined with basic air conditioner troubleshooting tips.
More advanced models include Wi-Fi connectivity for easy programming from a local computer, or even from mobile devices over the internet, as well as features like:
These programmable thermostats typically cost more, but are far easier to use.
Question: How much can programmable thermostats save on cooling costs?
Answer: With the correct settings, you can save over 10% on cooling costs without sacrificing comfort or changing your routine. These savings come from reducing energy use during times when cooling isn’t needed, like when you’re away or sleeping.
Question: What thermostat settings help save energy when the home is empty or at night?
Answer: Raise the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees during the day when no one is home, and again at night while sleeping. A programmable thermostat will return the temperature to a comfortable level before you wake up or return home.
Question: What types of programmable thermostats are available?
Answer: Programmable thermostats range from basic models with 5-2 or 7-day scheduling to advanced options with WiFi control, mobile apps, touchscreen displays, learning algorithms, and smart home integration for added convenience and control.
Question: Why is a programmable thermostat more effective than manual adjustments?
Answer: Programmable thermostats automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, eliminating forgetfulness and optimizing efficiency. Manual adjustments can be inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities for energy savings.
For more information about choosing the best programmable thermostat settings, talk to our team at Conditioned Air today, serving the Southwest Florida area.
