Replacing older RTUs can be expensive, so the answer may be for contractors to retrofit these units with advanced controls that can help save energy costs as well as improve comfort.
All homeowners want to save money on their energy bills, which is why they are often intrigued by gadgets, additives, and one-off products that claim to offer significant methods to cutting energy usage. But HVAC professionals warn that, in many cases, these products do nothing more than separate homeowners from their hard-earned money.
While contractors may not yet feel the effects of these changes, they will in the future, which is why they should familiarize themselves with the new version of Standard 62.2.
Optimism remains high that the federal government will extend existing tax credits beyond 2016, and local utilities and state governments will start (or continue) offering incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in GHPs.
Geothermal heat pumps are among the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies currently available because they use the earth’s natural heat to provide heating, cooling, and, often, water heating.
Savvy contractors working in this niche market focus not only on deep energy reductions, but on non-energy benefits, such as improved comfort, better IAQ, increased home values, and a more durable home.