Getting the most out of a new energy efficient heating or cooling unit

Source: Beverly Miller, senior extension associate for Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

It’s a common misconception that purchasing a new home heating or cooling unit will automatically lower your energy bills. However, this answer is not always so simple.

Purchasing a new energy efficient heating or cooling unit should lower your energy bills. However, you may want to ask yourself if your home is prepared to fully realize the potential cost savings of a new energy efficient unit.

Air conditioning and heating units are a part of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. An HVAC unit is a small system working within the larger system of your home. The full potential energy and cost savings of a new, energy efficient heating or cooling unit is only possible when the HVAC system is working with the home’s system.

To make sure these systems are working together, purchase the correct size central air or heating unit for your home’s square footage. Heating units that are too large for homes will not cycle properly and that will result in wasted energy. These units may also have a shorter life. Oversized air conditioners are susceptible to short cycling, inadequate dehumidification and large temperature variations within a home.

Heating units that are too small will not provide enough heat to be comfortable during very cold weather, and air conditioners that are too small may not be able to adequately cool and dehumidify your home during warmer months.

Central air and heating is delivered via a duct system. The duct system needs to be properly sized, installed, sealed and insulated. If it’s not, it will affect the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home. Properly sealed duct work ensures that conditioned air is not lost during delivery. Duct work located outside of the home’s thermal boundary, or insulated boundary, should be insulated. Insulating the duct work ensures that the conditioned air is not lost through conduction to unconditioned spaces.

Your home’s thermal boundary plays an important role in the effectiveness of your home’s HVAC equipment. Air leaks within the thermal boundary will cause the loss of conditioned air and will cost you the full energy savings potential of the new unit. Sealing these leaks will correct the problem.

Remember when sealing your home’s thermal boundary, that it can affect a home’s ventilation system. Make sure you have adequate ventilation to have proper indoor air quality.

Additional information about topics related to energy efficiency is available at the Clinton County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

“Tastes of Fall”

The Clinton County Extension Office will offer a “Tastes of Fall” class on Friday, November 1st at 10:00 a.m. Fall craft demonstrations and recipe sampling for all things fall-pumpkins, cinnamon, apples, spices, and more. Call the Extension Office at 387-5404 for more information.

Crazy About Couponing

The next “Crazy About Couponing” class will be held on Monday, November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. Bring your scissors, coupons, and tips to share! For more information, contact the Extension Office at 387-5404.

Gifts Galore and Holiday Craft Day

The holiday season is just around the corner so it’s time to get your thinking cap on for creative gift ideas! A Gifts Galore and Holiday Craft Day will be held at the Clinton County Extension Office on Thursday, November 7th from 1:30-6:30 p.m. Classes will be offered each hour with registration fees varying based upon the classes you choose. You can come for as many classes as your time and schedule allows. Classes offered throughout the event will include jewelry making, holiday ornaments, gifts in a jar, bow making, decorative bags, pampering yourself, recycled t-shirt projects, creative cards gift bags, and much more. For a complete list of classes and a schedule, call the Extension Office at 387-5404.

Shoe and Footwear Drive

The Clinton County Homemakers are collecting new and gently used shoes to share with adults and children in need throughout our community. Accepting: Men, Women, and Children shoes … athletic, running, dress, heels, pumps, sandals, work boots, cleats, dance, flip flops, just as long as they are new or gently worn. Preparation: Clean shoes (no mud) with soles and body that have no holes, laces intact. We ask that you tie the pairs together using the laces or rubber band in pairs. The deadline for donations to be dropped off at the Extension Office is November 11th. For more information, contact the Extension Office at 387-5404.

Christmas Village

Mark your calendars! The Homemakers’ Annual Christmas Village will be held on November 21st at the Learning Center from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Participants ages 3-12 will be allowed to purchase up to five gifts for family members. Homemaker elves will shop with the children so that gifts will be a true surprise when opened. Most items cost $5 or less. For more information, contact the Extension Office at 387-5404. More details will be available soon.

Holiday Favors and Flavors

The Clinton and Cumberland County Extension Offices will offer a Holiday Favors and Flavors program on Saturday, November 23rd. There will be lessons and take home ideas for Sweet Treats, Holiday Entertaining, Wrap It Up, Pamper Yourself, and Specially Created Gifts. Session I will be held at the Cumberland County Extension Office with registration 8:00-8:30 a.m. and the program 8:30-10:30 a.m. Session II will be held at the Clinton County Extension Office with registration 12:00-12:30 p.m. and the program 12:30-2:30 p.m. Classes will be the same at each location. Choose the time and place that works best for you! A $5.00 registration fee is due to your local Extension Office by November 18th. For more information, contact the Clinton County Extension Office at 387-5404.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.