Proper HVAC Sizing When the “Rule of Thumb” doesn’t Work
When it comes to your home’s
HVAC system, are you suffering from the Goldilocks Syndrome? Perhaps your system is too big or too small – or maybe it’s just right. The Depart- ment of Energy study shows that most HVAC systems don’t run as efficiently as they could because they are not in- stalled correctly or they are the wrong size. This translates to not having the comfort level you are seeking and over-paying on your utility bills – all the more reason to determine the right size system for your home. Accord- ing to Terry Townsend, president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), “oversizing is common in commercial as well as residential applications because con- tractors use the rule-of-thumb sizing – a load calculation based on square footage.” Unfortunately, this type of simple calculation is outdated, which could cost you money. Is your unit too big?
Why is an oversized system prob- lematic for the average homeowner? Heating and cooling account for more than half of the energy use in a typical U.S. home. So, if your HVAC unit is too big, it means that it may be “short cycling,” or constantly turning off and on. When the unit runs in short bursts, it will not run long enough to eliminate all of the humidity in your home. If you are in a warmer climate
and rely on the air conditioning mode, it could mean a short-cycling system leaves more moisture in the air, mak- ing your home feel sticky and warm;
this can also lead to growth of mold and mildew. Heating and cooling in short bursts results in uneven tem- peratures and hot or cold spots in your home. Lastly, the unit’s parts wear down prematurely. Or is it too small?
On the other hand, if your HVAC equipment is too small, you have a different problem – the unit is con- stantly running in order to try to keep up with demand. This also means your space is never heated or cooled adequately, and you have unnecessar- ily high energy bills. To size right, choose the right
energy professional
So, how can you ensure you get the right size HVAC system for your home? There are several factors to consider, but it all starts with choosing the right professional energy partner. We can help you determine the correct size and/or provide you with informa- tion on knowledgeable and licensed HVAC professionals in your area. To- gether, we can find the HVAC system that’s the perfect fit for your home.
Wildfires and Electrical Safety...
• Storing gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Placing cans in a safe location away from the base of build- ings.
• Regularly cleaning roof and gut- ters.
It is also recommended you limit the flammable vegetation and material around your home for at least 1193- 001 30 feet on all sides. Both FEMA and NFEC also en-
Hidden Account Number Find Your Account Number and Win $25
If you see your account number in this newsletter, call our office, identify yourself and the number. We will credit your electric bill $25. The number may be located anywhere in the newsletter and is chosen at random. If you don’t know your account number, call our office or look on your bill. To get the credit, you must call before the next month’s newsletter is mailed.
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courage everyone to create a portable disaster preparedness kit with enough supplies to last at least three days. This kit should include such items as water, food, blankets, pillows, clothes, a first aid kit, medicines, toiletries, flashlights, batteries, and a radio. “Taking the time to prepare will help you and your family members make smart and safe decisions should a wildfire threaten your community,” says NFEC Safety Coordinator Heath Martin. “Be prepared to evacuate as early as possible. Talk to your family about your preparedness kit, evacuation routes, meeting locations, communication plans, and important safety information.”
For more electrical safety and preparedness information, visit Safe-
Electricity.org. or feel free to contact Martin at 580-928-3366.
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