There are items that every HVAC contractor should have in their toolbox, like wrenches, drills, hammers, and multimeters. But in today’s environment, where so many homeowners are demanding more sustainable HVAC solutions to improve heating and cooling efficiency, it’s also crucial to have the know-how, products, and equipment to deliver on these requests. Doing so is only likely to increase your competitive advantages and, ideally, your profits too. On that note, let’s take a closer look at some of the best energy-efficient equipment that HVAC contractors should be offering to their clients today:
Energy-Efficiency HVAC Equipment
Smart Thermostats
These devices have become commonplace in households for a while because of how easy they are to program and their potential for increased energy savings. Smart and programmable thermostats can detect when residents are home or away and adjust temperature settings accordingly. They can also be pre-programmed to temperatures at various parts of the day and controlled via a mobile app from anywhere. If utilized correctly, smart thermostats can help reduce heating costs by up to 10 percent and cooling costs by 15 percent each year.
Duct Wrap/Sealing
When your HVAC system produces either cool or hot air, it’s pushed throughout the home via the duct system. However, over time ducts tend to develop holes and leaks, which can hamper efficiency and cause your system to work harder. You should know how to perform a leak test on any duct system, but be sure you’re offering the right solutions as a fix as well. Duct sealing, wrapping and patching should be explored to fix leaky ducts and enhance duct efficiency.
Energy Analysis Software
Today, there is so much potential in predictive analytics — and this pertains to HVAC equipment as well. This type of software is beneficial to use before any new HVAC installation, as it will help determine that the proper unit size is set to be installed on any property. Ensuring that the right-sized equipment is installed is crucial to maximizing the energy efficiency of an HVAC unit. On complete HVAC system overhauls, energy analysis software can also be carried out to design layouts and ensure proper fit in and around a property.
Pumps
One of the key elements that help power an HVAC system is the pumps. From geothermal to dual-fuel heat pumps, there’s a big opportunity to streamline energy efficiency while keeping a home comfortable. Geothermal heat pumps use heat from the ground and are up to four times more efficient than conventional heat pumps. On the other hand, dual-fuel heat pumps utilize either electricity or gas (depending on the temperature) to heat a property more efficiently. While these heat pumps are likely to cost more, they often pay for themselves several times over.
Flushing Solvent
It may not be the most glamorous tool you carry on your work truck, but quality flushing solvent can help you maximize the efficiency of your clients’ HVAC systems. Specifically, this solvent can be sprayed into refrigeration lines to clear out pollutants, debris and other contaminants that could otherwise be affecting the system’s efficiency. This solvent is useful to have on-hand not just for tune-ups and inspections but for every service call you go on to ensure your client has energy-efficient equipment.
SEER Savings Calculator
This isn’t so much a physical tool that you carry on your person, but a resource you can rely on time and time again to provide your clients with the right information on their potential energy savings. Specifically, a SEER energy savings calculator can be used to show clients how much money they could be saving on their monthly energy bills by upgrading their HVAC systems. This can be an excellent way to make more sales while reducing your clients’ monthly energy costs and boosting overall efficiency.
Spare Air Filters
Your clients should be swapping out their HVAC air filters at least once every 90 days. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that your clients don’t always remember to complete this essential task. As a result, they could end up with clogged air filters that obstruct airflow and hinder the system’s efficiency overall. From there, HVAC systems need to work even harder to keep the space comfortable.
By keeping a stash of air filters on-hand in your work truck, you can always rest assured that you’ll have the filter needed for your client. Swapping out dirty filters during a service call shows your clients that you will go above and beyond for them. It also helps to improve energy efficiency while enhancing indoor air quality. Just be sure to carry a wide array of air filter sizes to ensure that you always have the right fit for your client’s specific HVAC setup.
For more information about energy-efficient equipment that residential HVAC contractors should have at their disposal, contact your local HVAC distributor today.