Heating and Cooling Systems

1
Heating and Cooling Systems
2
Saving Energy and Staying Safe

• Efficient homes are tightly air-sealed and
  properly insulated.
• If heating and cooling systems are working
  properly then you
• reduce pollution.
• minimize health risks.

3
Venting Combustion Appliances

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes
  must be followed to ensure safe operation of
  combustion equipment.
• It is critical that combustion appliances have
  enough air to run safely.
• Sealed-combustion appliances draw air directly
  from outside the home.
• Natural-draft and power-vented units draw air
  from the indoor space where they are located.

4
Energy Consumption

• The amount of energy you consume in your home
  depends upon
• How well the house is insulated.
• The efficiency of appliances and equipment.
• The local weather and climate.
• Your lifestyle.
• A home energy audit can identify how energy
  efficient your home is.

5
Energy Efficiency

• New heating and cooling units are more efficient
  than those 15 to 25 years old.
• Equipment should be inspected and serviced every
  year and maintained monthly.
• Air filters need to be changed or cleaned
  regularly.

6
Adjusting Your Thermostat

• Save energy by
• Setting the thermostat lower in winter.
• Setting the thermostat higher in summer.
• Using a digital thermostat.
• Try a home energy manager which allows many
  temperature settings each week.

7
Distributing Air Efficiently

• If you have central heating and cooling, you have
  a system to distribute the air.
• Make sure your ductwork does not leak so it wont
  waste energy.
• Insulate ducts in unheated space.
• Properly seal any duct joints.

8
Windows, Doors and Leaks

• Air leaks can contribute to a homes total heat
  loss.
• Find leak points and seal them.
• Doors and windows allow air to enter.
• Cracks around door and window frames can be a
  primary source of heat loss.
• Seal leaks with caulking and weather stripping.

9
Insulation

• Insulation prevents transfer of heat or cold air
  through walls, floors, or ceilings.
• R-values measure how well materials resist the
  flow of energy into or out of your home.
• The larger the R-value, the more heat or cool air
  stays in your home.
• Find out the recommended R-value for your area.

10
Hot Water

• Lower the temperature of your water heater to
• save energy.
• increase the life of your water heater.
• reduce the chance of being burned by hot water.
• Wrap your hot water heater with an insulated
  blanket.
• Reduce your use of hot water.