Select the Correct System
For Lower Energy Cost!
As you know, rising energy cost are starting to stretch the family budget. As a result, we are looking for new ways to get energy cost down to a manageable level.
One way to reduce energy costs is by replacing the inefficient heating and cooling systems in our homes.
The issue is understanding which heating and cooling system is best for your specific situation.
A well trained Heating and Cooling Contractor will help you with this important money saving decision. Together you will compare the various energy efficient heating and cooling systems on the market today and select the best system with your families needs in mind.
Here are steps that need to be followed before selecting a system. This nessary information will provide great insight as to which system is right for you.
1. Complete a heat loss/heat gain analysis of the structure using ACCA's Manual J 8.
2. Verify all available energy sources.
3. Select the avalible Heating and Cooling Equipment and Calculate energy cost.
4. Establish the cost of installing each system.
5. Perform an energy analysis comparing each systems operating costs.
Complete a heat loss/heat gain analysis.
The purpose of heating and cooling equipment is to move or replace heat energy (Btu's) in the home or structure. Heating and cooling system sizing is based on the heat energy (Btu's) being replaced or removed. Properly sized equipment is important to maintain energy efficiency of equipment, improve comfort of the home and keep maintenance cost low. Take a look at this technology information provided by the Department of Energy titled RIGHT-SIZE HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT
Available source of energy.
Available source of energy determines the system that can be used in a particular area. Typical energy sources are:
Electric - readily available in all areas
Natural Gas - delivered by underground pipe lines available in mostly developed areas
Propane Gas - delivered by tanker trucks and is readily available anywhere.
Fuel Oil - delivered by tanker trucks and is readily available anywhere.
Caculating Energy Cost.
Energy costs are based on different units of measure and are as follows:
Electricity unit of measure is kilowatts per hour (KWH) and provides 3413 Btu's per Kilowatt hour.
Natural Gas unit of measure is cubic feet (CCF) and provides 100,000 Btu's per cubic foot.
Propane Gas unit of measure is gallons per hour (GPH) and provides 92,500 Btu's per gallon.
Fuel Oil unit of measure is gallons per hour (GPH) and provides 140,000 Btu's per gallon.
As you may have noticed every unit of measure has a Btu output rating. This will help determine operating cost. For example:
The annual operating cost for a typical 1400 sq. ft. home in Michigan using 68,260,000 Btu's of heat energy annually is as follows.
Electric Heat at $0.09 per KW = $1800.00
90% Natural Gas Furnace at $1.15 per CCF = $872.21
90% Propane Furnace at $2.29per gal. = $1898.18
82% Fuel Oil Furnace at $2.50 per Gal. = $1486.50
5.1 COP* Geothermal H.P. at $0.09 per KW = $352.94
*COP iS the coefficient of performance. (example: a 5 COP Means for every 1 KW of energy you purhace you will pickup 4 KW of free energy from the enviroment)
Establish the cost of installation.
Once equipment is correctly sized and the available energy sources are established. We now can put estimates together and compare operating cost verses installation cost and look at return on investment.
Complete an Energy Analysis of the Project.
An Energy analysis should be performed by your heating and cooling contractor. There are several software programs available that can provide you with an estimated energy cost analysis. You can review several choices of HVAC equipment, and create comparison scenarios. This will help you make a decision you will be confident, is the right one.
