As the seasons swing from summer to winter in Montreal, staying on top of heating and cooling maintenance feels like a hassle. You need to make sure your system can handle the heat and humidity of the summer and the frigid temperatures in the winter. And all this without running up your energy bill. Luckily, you can make it happen with systems like mini-splits, geothermal units, and air-source systems.
How do I know if my system is energy efficient?
When it comes to heating and cooling systems and equipment, the first thing people look for is quality and whether or not the machine can do the job. The next thing to consider is energy efficiency. HVAC systems and other heating and cooling systems can easily increase a homeowner’s energy bill. But it’s difficult to know how or where to improve your setup.
A few different factors determine your machine’s energy efficiency. These include the type of system, its age, and how well it’s been maintained. Consulting a professional for maintenance or a minor upgrade will ultimately help you determine its energy efficiency. If you’re looking for a completely new setup, here’s what to look for in common energy rating systems.
Understand energy consumption with these rating systems
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): An EER rating uses stringent laboratory conditions to measure energy efficiency; the higher the ratio, the more efficient the machine is.
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): This system uses seasonal cooling conditions instead of lab-formulated parameters to determine energy efficiency. It’s a measured ratio of cooling output recorded in British Thermal Units (BTU), divided by usage, and measured in kilowatt-hours. Much like the EER, the higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the machine.
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): An HSPF rating is a ratio specifically for how energy-efficient an HVAC heat pump is. The heat pump cycles in two directions to produce cold and hot air. This rating measures how much area heating is necessary, using a BTU measurement divided by the total electricity used in kilowatt-hours. Again, the higher the HSPF ratio, the more efficient the heat pump.
4 Energy-efficient systems that keep Montreal homes comfortable
Geothermal units
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) transfer heat between your home and the earth, achieving both home comfort and energy efficiency. Some models use up to 61% less energy than a standard HVAC system and are generally reliable, sturdy, and fit in almost any home.
The pricepoint for a GHP installation could be several times higher than an air-source system with a similar capacity, however. But keep in mind that with regular maintenance, the additional costs could pay for themselves in energy savings over the following years, depending on your area. The system life of a GHP is around 24 years for the indoor components and over 50 years for the ground equipment.
Ductless air-source heat pumps
A ductless air-source heat pump offers a flexible and energy-efficient solution for homes and buildings without pre-existing ductwork. These machines are ideal for zone heating and can significantly lower energy use compared to a traditional furnace or other heating method.
Air-to-water heat pumps, another ductless version, also heat with hot water through radiators or radiant floors, but they do not offer cooling.
Mini-Split systems
The ductless air-source variant, mini-split heat pumps, are very effective and efficient for homes without ductwork. They offer a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional baseboard heating. Mini-splits reduce energy costs significantly, particularly for zone heating.
Mini-splits allow homeowners to concentrate heating or cooling to one area, cutting down on energy consumption throughout the home. They’re great systems for homes of all sizes, from multi-level to 1-bedroom apartments.
Ducted air-source heat pumps
Ducted air-source heat pumps are some of the most common systems used today. They transfer heat between your home and the outside air. These heat pumps can lower your energy use for heat by up to 75% compared to an electric resistance system like a baseboard heater or furnace.
These high-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify more effectively than a standard central air conditioner. This means less energy use and more comfortable cooling in Montreal’s warm summer months.
The bottom line
If you’re in the market for a completely new system like a mini-split, geothermal unit, or air-source system, speak with a local professional, and they can help you with the installation. It’s comfort and energy-efficiency today, and great cost savings for the next several years.
Are you looking for the right energy-efficient system for your home? Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help.