In colder climates we heat 10 times more than we cool, so the heating side of the operating costs of our homes are ultimately more important. How much attention should we give to heating vs. air conditioning in colder climates?
To make a drastic comparison, if you used a ground source heat pump, which claims to be the most energy efficient way to cool your home, you would save maybe $100 – $300 per year vs. a standard 12 SEER AC unit. But, the ground source heat pump would cost tens of thousands to install vs. less the $4000 for a standard 12 SEER AC unit. It just doesn’t make fiscal sense.
Conversely, it is similar to our radiant ceiling system vs. a forced air system.
The radiant ceiling system is typically half the cost to operate vs. any gas forced air system and a third less than electric forced air systems. If a mini split or high velocity system is not an option and you decide to go with a standard duct work forced air system, then I always tell people to keep the runs for the vents towards the center of the home and not out to outside walls.
Elevate the vents so they are above you and work with physics and not against it to cool the home. Keeping the runs short and elevated give you a more controlled environment in the summer months and we handle the heating months. The cost per year to heat the home is half of the forced air and will pay for the forced air system and the radiant ceiling system in a small amount of time vs. just a forced air system.
Additional benefits are that you will extend the life of your cooling system and your environment in the winter months will be healthier and more comfortable. No more dry eyes, nose and throat from blowing dry air with dust and other airborne contaminants.
