A home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems consume significant energy. When properly optimized, however, they minimize energy consumption and electricity bills.
Delaware residents can receive energy-saving HVAC system rebates through Energize Delaware. The program offers central air conditioner and ductless mini-split heat pump rebates, and income-qualifying homeowners can receive increased rebate amounts.
Thermostats
Thermostats are a critical component of energy-efficient HVAC Delaware systems, controlling the system’s operation based on temperature settings. While seemingly simple devices, thermostats are central in optimizing energy usage, improving indoor comfort, and reducing environmental impact.
The choice of a thermostat depends on several factors, including lifestyle compatibility and energy-saving goals. For example, programmable thermostats offer the best options for those with structured lifestyles, allowing them to set heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines.
Smart thermostats, on the other hand, allow for even more customized control of HVAC systems. They enable users to track energy usage, identify peaks and trends, and optimize energy consumption. They also feature zoning capabilities, allowing different facility areas to have individual temperature controls. This personalization minimizes energy waste in unoccupied spaces, significantly saving operating costs. These systems also easily integrate with BMS, enabling centralized control of other building systems.
Thermostat Settings
Having the proper thermostat settings is crucial for your home’s energy efficiency. A programmable or smart thermostat can help save you lots of money, especially if it automatically switches between cooling and heating modes.
When changing your thermostat settings, your home’s air quality is another essential factor. Lowering your thermostat to our recommended summer and winter temperature settings will improve indoor air quality. However, make sure you adjust the temperature one degree at a time so as not to shock your system.
Thermostat Setup
Using less energy allows HVAC systems to function optimally, prolonging equipment lifespan and reducing repair costs. However, a system can only work as efficiently as the environment in which it operates. Anywhere there is excess energy use, wasted air, or drafts, it can strain the entire system and drive up operating costs.
Smart thermostats tailor heating and cooling to the user’s preferences, learning a home’s unique habits to conserve energy when no one is around. Programmable features allow users to program temperatures based on their work schedule or weekend plans.
Low-income homeowners can also apply for enhanced rebates. Learn about these and other new rebate opportunities by visiting online.
Ductwork
A duct system is the main conduit that delivers heated and cooled air to each room in your home or commercial building. The duct trunks, usually made of metal, branch off directly from the furnace or central air conditioning unit and extend to the rooms in the house.
Leaky ducts can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC equipment, resulting in higher energy bills. It also causes premature wear and tear on your equipment by forcing it to run longer cycles to compensate for lost airflow.
The good news is that fixing leaky ducts can improve your energy efficiency. When you combine this upgrade with other energy-saving upgrades, you can qualify for up to $1,500 in the rebates program. To learn more, click here. This program takes a whole-house approach to finding where your home is losing energy and recommending what upgrades will help you save.