Coastal Bend homeowners can take advantage of many federal Energy Star-certified products to save money while conserving energy resources. Here’s a seasonal sampler.Â
Winter
Furnaces, heat pumps and boilers are available in Energy Star models. Look for high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings. AFUE gives you a measure across models of how efficiently each unit converts fuel into usable heat. Models as much as 98 percent efficient exist, meaning your 10-year-old furnace at 64 percent efficiency may be costing you.
Don’t overlook geothermal and air source heat pumps.  Labeled products have a high HSPF (Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor), which denotes the heat pump’s heating efficiency.
Insulation and windows that keep expensively heated air inside your South Texas home are also available with the Energy Star certification. Look for double-pane windows for year-round comfort.
Spring
As cooling needs kick in, so do Energy Star-labeled appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, ceiling fans and air conditioners all qualify for certification.
Summer
Much of the energy expense for Corpus Christi-area homes comes from cooling. Certified Energy Star central air conditioners and window units will keep your family cool while lowering your energy bills.
Look for high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) units to get the least expensive cooling over an entire season. EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) refers to cooling when the outside temperature is 95 degrees.
Certified dehumidifiers make your home’s air comfortable as well. A certified programmable thermostat allows you to set heating and cooling periods all week long.
Fall
Don’t fall for the wrong idea that only large appliances qualify. As you spend more time indoors in the autumn, remember many smaller household items can earn the label:
- copiers
- computers
- dishwashers
- televisions
- audio equipment
- monitors
- clothes washers
- battery chargers
- water coolers
Even light bulbs can get the Energy Star label. Every appliance, big or small, that you replace with a more efficient one will save you money on your fuel and power bills. You will also be helping the environment and reducing America’s dependency on foreign oil.
For more help choosing energy efficient products for your Coastal Bend home, contact us at Mathews CCAC Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy star products and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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