Hvac op costs

Rely_2

Ed horgan had a program called calc plus that had what you are looking for.He has retired and I don,t think anyone has picked up his program. e-mail me and I'll see what I can do.

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John L

Hvac op costs

Does anyone have a chart of estimated yearly hvac operating costs or a website where this info may be obtained?
Thanks

Weezbo

that might be difficult to determine,,,

there are quite a few variables...to consider one would require two more gallons of coffee and a seamstress to sow your ears back on after they fell off. *~/:)

how about give me a clue as to a more specific focus point or two:)

John L

As I deal promarily with forced air systems and usually taking out older - 15 year+ equipment, I was wondering if there is a comparison sheet/chart to demonstrate the savings to the homeowner on the value of installing the higher efficient systems that are available, for example the 90%+ furnaces and the higher seer a/c's.

Brad White_9

Depending on how detailed you want to get...

Energy Cost Comparisons are like the proverbial snowflakes..

The quickest comparison for heating savings is the time-honored degree-day method which incorporates heat loss, degree days and hours per day divided by the delta-T used to determine the heat loss, the plant efficiency (assumed) fuel units and a correction factor.

Whew.

Where the condensing and especially modulating condensing appliances shine goes beyond net efficiency differences. They run long and low versus cycling which imparts far greater losses to your system. An over-sized 88% furnace can be in the low 60% range annualized because of cycling. Efficiency while running is diminished by cycling and standby losses, in short.

You can also use a bin method (so many hours at a given temperature range with associated efficiencies of the appliance in that range) for more detail.

So that is for heating.

As far as SEER on the cooling side, it gets down to either a bin method similar to the above or the short-hand "full-load hours" method.

This later method takes an assumed number full load hours, essentially taking the entire cooling season and compressing it into the same amount of cooling running non-stop. You multiply your tonnage cost per ton-hour into that number and you have at least a basis of comparison.

There are more robust programs, DOE2 and such that are much more involved. Seems you just need a marketing tool or an ROI basis.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Just do a Google search and you'll find MANY such calculators. Most are simplistic, but a few are rather involved. Best to steer away from such provided by industry sources.

If merely switching one warm air furnace for another, AFUE alone will be a good predictor of savings--provided that the customer maintains their current thermostat habits.

Every unbiased source/study I've ever found insists that the distribution system (ductwork) in forced air (even so-called "standard" new construction) is abysmal and offers significant potential for energy savings regardless of the furnace used.

Techman

HVAC cost savings

Hi all!Basically,You have to know how much you are paying for your electric. If the BTUH has not changed ,than comparing a new 13, 14,16SEER unit against the older SEER of possibly 6,8, or 10SEER with assistance from your local electrical utility should give you some pretty close cost comparisons.

Tom_35

HVAC costs

If you really want to make a difference on utility costs, look closely at the duct system and the envelope of the home. I would be surprised to find that 1% of the duct systems installed would be rated in the "excellent" position. I don't recall our company ever finding a return air duct system that wasn't leaking.

Go to the National Comfort Institute's website and find out about true energy efficiency. They have developed a program for determining actual cooling and heating efficiency and have a wealth of info for HVAC contractors.

Dominic Guarino, the CEO, made a statement at a ComfortTech meeting several years ago that got my attention and led to our company joining their program. He stated that he could take an 80% furnace and a 10 SEER condensing unit and make the needed adjustments on the duct system and guarantee better utility bills that the normal installation of a 90% AFUE condensing furnace and a 14 SEER condensing unit. They have the statistics to prove this as well.

Tom Atchley

John L

Thanks Tom. I went to the site , tons of info there.