Go Green and Save Some Too By Improving the Efficiency of Your Home Comfort System

ARLINGTON, Va., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This Earth Day, homeowners can help save the environment and their finances by ensuring the proper installation and service of their home comfort systems.

It is estimated that nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, which means homeowners pay higher operating costs over the life of the equipment. Older heating and cooling systems not up to current SEER , HSPF or AFUE standards waste energy, create a bigger carbon footprint, and ultimately cost you more money.

Fortunately, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation's largest industry-endorsed, non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians, recommends some steps you can take to maximize your home's efficiency while also being environmentally friendly.

• Look at your current energy bills to identify inefficiencies. Or use our energy savings calculator to help you decide if your current system should be replaced.
• Purchase equipment with an ENERGY STAR® label. High-efficiency systems reduce your impact on the environment and can also save you money. You may also be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit.
• Compare the SEER or AFUE of your cooling or heating system with newer models. If it's below 13, you may want to consider a new, more efficient system. Remember, the higher the rating, the less wasted energy and reduced carbon footprint. Use our energy savings calculator to help determine the efficiency of your current cooling or heating system as compared to a more efficient HVAC system.
• Look into geothermal heating systems. By using the earth's natural heat, these systems are among the most efficient and energy-conserving heating and cooling technologies currently available.
• Change your air filters monthly.
• Ceiling fans can help delay or reduce the need for air conditioning.
• Plant more trees on your property. By doing so, the shade it gives off will make your home feel cooler in the warmer months. In addition to climate control, trees also improve air quality.
• Install a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures regulated all year long.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated—drafty windows and doors waste energy.
• Have your system serviced regularly for optimal performance by an HVACR professional. Technicians certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation's largest independent, nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians, are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVACR industry by passing specialized certification tests.

For more tips, and to find a contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians near you, visit www.hvacradvice.com or call 877-420-NATE.

About North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Headquartered in Arlington, Va., NATE was founded in 1997 as the nation's largest industry-endorsed, non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. Candidates can earn installation and/or service certification in specialty areas including air-conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, gas heating, oil heating, hydronic gas, hydronic oil, and commercial, light commercial refrigeration and senior efficiency analyst. NATE also offers the International Ground Source Heat Pump test. For more information about NATE, visit www.natex.org.

SOURCE North American Technician Excellence (NATE)