The Energy Efficiency Dilemma

Energy efficiency is all but lost without the attention to detail demanded by the best of heating and air conditioning contractors. Unfortunately for the consumer, the majority of contractors sell on price rather than value. This practice has cost millions of dollars in wasted energy and continues to do so, Examples of the studies which substantiate this includes the following:

 

Based upon actual field surveys, it was determined that 90% of the systems tested showed problems in efficiency and was operating in adverse conditions, resulting in excessive energy consumption and early mechanical failures.

 – NORTH CAROLINA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CORP.

 

Research team found that repairing leaking duct systems, cooling energy was reduced by an average of 18%.

– LAKELAND ELECTRIC AND WATER and the FLORIDA SOLAR ENERGY CENTER

 

Test results showed that the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of a unit decreased from 9.6 to 8 with a 10% refrigerant undercharge.

– TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

 

 A cooling system undercharge of 23% could go un-noticed by a homeowner and result in a 52% loss in efficiency.

– TEXAS POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY

 

Engineers found that almost 50% of the available efficiency from a heat pump is lost after 20 years of use due to deterioration of the heat transfer surfaces. If the system had an efficiency of 5 EER when new, it would have an efficiency of less than 3 EER if not properly maintained even if a high efficiency filter was used.

– HONEYWELL CORPORATION

 

Data provided by Trane show tat is a condensing unit with a SEER rating of 13 is matched with and existing 10 year old GE air handler and coil, the efficiency would drop to 9.2. Without replacing the air handler at the same time, the customer ends up paying for 30% less efficiency every month.

– TRANE CORPORATION

How Does Improper Installation Affect Operating Cost and Reduce Equipment Life?

Over Sized Furnace heating and/or air conditioning

• 10% to 45% Additional Operating Costs
• Expansion/Contraction Reduces Furnace Life
• Starting and Stopping Reduces Compressor Life

Under Sized/Over sized Refrigerant Lines

• 8% to 28% Additional Operating Costs
• Excessive Head Pressure Reduces Compressor Life

Improper Sizing of Ductwork

• 5% to 30% Additional Operating Costs
• Improper Airflow Across Heat Exchanger Reduces Life
• Improper Airflow Across Evaporator Coil Reduces Compressor Life

Overcharge or Undercharge of Freon in system

• 25% to 30% Additional Operating Cost
• Excessive Head Pressure Reduce Compressor Life by 50% and More
• Replacement Cost Occurs Years Earlier Than Needed
• Proudly serving the Bedford County, Huddleston, Lynchburg, Virginia and surrounding areas.

Improper Maintenance Affects Operating Costs Cooling 30% to 40% and More

HEATING (10% to 50% and More)

• Dirty Burners           
• Dirty Blowers    
• Dirty Filters  
• Dirty Heating Coil
• Air Leakage at Ductwork
• Thermostat Calibration         

COOLING (Cooling 30% to 40% and More)

• Dirty Condenser Coil
• Dirty Evaporator Coil
• Dirty Blowers
• Dirty Filters
• Air Leakage at Ductwork 
• Thermostat Calibration

LSU study of five existing houses before cleaning and after cleaning resulted in an average savings of $32.76 per month on fuel bills.