Since nearly half of your energy bills go toward heating and cooling your home, you should make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you’re paying to cool and heat rooms you don’t even use, you’re wasting money every month.
We’d like to tell you about options that can reduce your energy bills this summer in Northern Virginia.
Adding Zoning to Your Existing HVAC System
A zoning system requires three components
Zone Control Panel
This panel communicates between thermostats, dampers and your HVAC equipment.
Thermostats
A separate thermostat goes in each room or zone. If the temperature is too cold or too hot for your liking, it will send a signal to the control panel to bring cooler or warmer air to that room or zone.
Dampers
These are placed in your ducts to control the airflow to certain rooms (or zones) of your home. The dampers are wired to a specific zone on the control panel, which is controlled by a specific thermostat in your home. Dampers automatically open and close depending on which thermostats are calling.
Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System
If you’re adding a room to your current home, it’s expensive to extend your existing ductwork into that room. Mini-splits have no ducting so they don’t require major construction. They simply have an outside unit and an indoor unit and only require a small hole to connect the two through the external wall. The air exchanger can be affixed to a wall, suspended from the ceiling, or mounted into drop ceilings. Floor models are also available and they d0n’t take up much space. Many ductless systems can be managed remotely using a smartphone, tablet or PC — for those times when you rush out the door and forget to turn down the thermostat. Some local utility companies offer significant rebates for the purchase of a ductless mini-split system.
Having Your Ducts Sealed
Sealing leaks and cracks in your ductwork is a guaranteed way of reducing energy costs. You’ll notice more comfortable rooms and lower bills right away, because your AC won’t have to kick on nearly as often to cool your home.
Snell Heating and Air Conditioning Can Do All of the Above
Summer in the DC area can get super hot. We’d love to help you save money on your air conditioning bills this year, so call us soon about installing a zoning system, adding a mini-split, or having your ducts sealed.