Tips to Buy a New Heating and Cooling System

When you purchasing a heating and cooling system, it’s important to buy the most energy efficient system.  Purchasing a heating and cooling system will be an expensive purchase initially, but over time the expense will be offset by the efficiency of the system. You can cut service costs drastically and keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently by doing some maintenance and quick fixes yourself. It's means your utility bills can be lower. Energy efficiency is good for the environment, too. Getting the correct size Regarding size of air conditioning and heating equipment, the goal should be to get the optimum size and features for your climate and situation. You can ask the store representative or contractor. Become familiar with effiency standards. Look for an energy efficiency rating label on any system product that you are considering purchasing. Products that meet certain energy efficiency criteria will have the ENERGY STAR logo. Do a home energy assessment Inspect your home and do an energy audit to measure the efficiency of your present heating and cooling system. The process will be a beneficial step towards making your heating and cooling system more efficient and less costly to operate. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy assessments, or it may recommend a local company or organization to do them. Check with your state or local government energy or weatherization office for recommendations, or visit energysavers.gov for more resources.

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Contact your local utility to request additional information for sizing the heating and cooling units

Many utility companies offer and provide some type of financial incentive for those that are considering installing a more efficient heating and cooling system. Ask what type system you need and what size is appropriate, also ask about any rebates for energy-efficient units. Many units offer cash-back rebates for purchases in addition to government rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

Compare Heating & Air Conditioning Systems

Look at the different models and ask the store representative questions including how much space a unit can heat or cool, efficiency of the units (SEER and AFUE rating), extra equipment and features, energy rebates and incentives.

Select a professional contractor

Find a contractor who's licensed and reputable, and remember that the Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business. Avoid contractors that are reluctant to offer references.

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What is an appliance EnergyGuide label?

If you’ve shopped for appliances, you’ve seen the bright yellow EnergyGuide label. Recently revised so it’s easier to use, the label tells you how much energy an

appliance uses.

In the United States, the EnergyGuide appliance label is also shown on Energy Star label of qualifying products. All major home appliances must meet the Appliance Standards Program set by the US Department of Energy (DOE).

To earn the ENERGYSTAR, a product must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

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Yellow EnergyGuide labels are found mainly on large home appliances and they show an estimate of how much electricity that particular appliance will use over a year of average use.

The EnergyGuide label also shows an average of what it will cost over a year at an estimated power rate. If your local power rate is higher, you can multiply either the low or high kwhs given by your own local power rate to get a better idea of consumption costs.

Energy-efficient appliances are usually priced higher than conventional models, but since they use less energy, you will save money on your electric bills.

For the best energy savings, when you shop for a home appliance, choose a model with the lowest estimated usage shown on the EnergyGuide label, plus the presence of the EnergyStar logo.