Wow, it’s hot out there! Now is the time of year when homeowners retreat from the sweltering heat outdoors into their air conditioned homes. But along with a cool, comfortable abode can come a hefty energy bill. We spoke with Bill Watson of Air Plus Heating and Cooling about how to maximize the efficiency of your home’s cooling system.
Air Plus has been providing furnace and air conditioner installation, service and repair for over 20 years. They have the expertise to know the benefits of replacing both the AC and furnace at the same time. Watson advises homeowners who are replacing their air conditioning unit to consider replacing their furnace if it’s over 10 years old in order to maximize indoor comfort and reduce energy use at the same time.
Here’s why:
Capital cost reduction
Homeowners that purchase a new furnace at the same time as a new air conditioner can typically enjoy a cost savings of 10 to 15 percent on the new furnace, as most reputable contractors will offer a multiple unit discount, according to Watson.
Operating cost reduction
Homeowners can save as much as five to seven percent in operating costs when matching their furnace to their air conditioner. “The furnace acts as an air handler in the summertime,” explains Watson. The air conditioner cools the coil and the furnace is blowing air over the coil and distributing it throughout the home.
Communicating appliances such as the Trane XC95 can help to keep your home within half a degree of your comfort level, as well as reduce power consumption when matched with an equivalent Trane Air Conditioner. Also, by upgrading your furnace to one with an ECM motor at the time you replace your air conditioner means you’re not only getting the benefit of a high efficiency air conditioner, but the motor in your furnace is using less energy to move air around the home.
Air Plus is a proud supplier of the Trane family of products and can find the right match for your home.
Maximize your OPA rebate
The Ontario Power Authority offers a Save on Energy rebate for Ontario homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their appliances. A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is used to measure how much energy is consumed by your matched air conditioner and coil. A SEER of 15 or above will give you a consumer a rebate of $400 for upgrading your air conditioner. Upgrading the furnace to a high efficiency motor will make you eligible for an additional $250 rebate, meaning a combined new high efficiency air conditioner and furnace can mean a total cash rebate of $650.
Source: Save on Energy
Want to get in on the savings? Visit Air Plus Heating and Cooling‘s profile on our website to contact them over the phone or via email. Watson’s team offers free estimates and will visit your home to asses how to improve energy efficiency in your home with the right A/C unit and furnace.
Here’s to a hot summer with quality cooling indoors that doesn’t cost a fortune!
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