Do I Need High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling?
How many boxes does your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system check off?
- Delivers the comfort you want while also using less energy and saving money on utility bills
- Controls humidity in your home
- Operates quietly
- Requires few or no repairs
- Reduces your carbon footprint
- Has an annual fuel efficiency rating (AFUE) of at least 90 for furnace heating or a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) of approximately 17 for heat pump or air conditioner cooling
- Improved indoor air quality (IAQ)
If all apply to your HVAC system, congratulations! Your Pacific Northwest home has a high-efficiency furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump that delivers the best in heating and cooling technology.
You are missing out if you do not own a high-efficiency HVAC system. An older, standard unit may keep you warm in winter or cool in the summer, but it does not keep dollars in your pocket.
Let Bryant Northwest help you move from the basic to the best heating and cooling. Our directory of highly qualified Bryant dealers in Montana, Oregon, and Washington can get you started. Click the Find A Dealer link to choose a trusted dealer in or near you.
Older Systems Lose Efficiency
A Bryant dealer can assess your current HVAC equipment and help you decide if it is time for a high-efficiency system. Equipment longevity varies from system to system depending on maintenance history and quality.
A well-maintained air conditioner typically lasts 12 to 15 years. You may get 20 or more years from a gas furnace and 10 to 15 years from a heat pump.
Preventative maintenance can help slow the demise of your heating and cooling equipment and prevent the need for repairs—but even a well-maintained system loses efficiency as it ages. You begin accruing the benefits of high-efficiency equipment as soon as you install it.
Beyond the Basics
High-efficiency systems typically have more energy-saving bells and whistles than standard models that operate at a basic level.
For example, high-efficiency air conditioners and heat pumps offer variable-speed compressors. Older air conditioners and new units that meet minimum efficiency standards typically have single-stage compressors.
The difference? Single-stage compressors cycle on at capacity. A variable-speed air conditioner adjusts energy use and output based on the indoor temperature setting and outdoor conditions. It might run at 30 percent capacity on mild days and 100 percent on hot days, using less energy than a single-stage unit.
Other benefits of high-efficiency equipment:
- A modulating furnace can adjust heating capacity.
- Variable-speed blower motors are more efficient than single-speed blowers that turn on at full capacity.
- A high-efficiency furnace has a second heat exchanger that can capture heat from the exhaust gas.
- High-efficiency equipment pair well with smart thermostats.
High-efficiency systems save more energy and money than basic HVAC units. If you make energy-saving home improvements, you save even more.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating and cooling uses more energy than any other system in your home. You can cut energy use by 30 to 50 percent with HVAC system upgrades and maintenance, house air sealing and insulation, and thermostat settings.
Financial Incentives
HVAC units with high SEER2 or AFUE ratings are more costly than models that meet minimum efficiency standards. SEER2 measures the cooling efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners, and AFUE measures furnace efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient the equipment. Although high-efficiency systems cost more upfront, they pay off over time in lower energy bills.
Federal tax credits are available through 2032 to help defray the cost of installing qualified high-efficiency equipment. You can claim up to $600 for air conditioners, furnaces, and boilers and up to $2,000 for heat pumps.
Consult an Expert Today
Ready for high-efficiency heating and cooling? Bryant Northwest can help you find a local Bryant dealer in Oregon, Washington, or Montana to assist with your HVAC needs. Click on our Find A Dealer link for more information.