Ideas HOTTrends For GREEN Living (NAPS)—As homeowners consider ~ ways to “live green’, many may be surprised to learn the powerful effect home heating has on achieving optimal energy andcostefficiency. Fortunately, home builders know HVACis a key to living green—a full 87 percent of builders and remodelers consider energy-efficient systems vital to green building, according to a recent National Association of Home Builders report. So how do you choose a homeheating solution that’s both Earth and financially friendly? Here are a few hints that can help. Selecting the optimal climate control system is critical with home heating using more energy and costing more money than any other system in your home—typically making up nearly half yourutility bill. There are several types of heating systemsthat range from blowing hot air through ductwork to piping hot water through yourfloor. Forced-air systems, the most common, heat quick- ly and evenly, but manyare not energy efficient and some users complain that moving air is noisy and blowsallergens around the house. In addition, they require ductwork, which many older homesdon't have. Many homeowners give a warm welcometo innovative energy- and cost-efficient HVAC systems. sive and requires cutting holes in walls, floors and ceilings, or decreasing closet space. Ductless systems require only a two-or three-inch hole through the wall. Customized Comfort, Even at Extra-Low Temperatures Ending any “Family ‘Thermostat Wars,” mini-splits feature custom zone control, letting homeowners connect two to eight indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Each zone has its own thermostat so occupants can adjust each room to the temperature they want. Further, only occupied areas are heated, which can represent a significant savings considering the kitchen, dining room,living room and bedrooms areleft unoccupiedforat least 40 percent of the A lesser-known option, at least among Americans, is called ductless time in most households. What’s more, companies as Fujitsu General America. Low Temperature Heating (XLTH) Se- mini-split systems, distributed by such While the majority of HVAC systems in Asia and Europe are already ductless, they are rapidly gaining traction in North America, with mini-split systems projected to enjoy an annual growthrate of 14 percent each year through 2020. the comfort continues even in extreme cold weather climate. Fujitsu’s Extra ries features outdoor condensing units engineered to operate in temperatures down to -15 FE, lower than any other mini-split available today. Cleaner Air, Lower Environmental Impact Upto 25 Percent on Energy Bills Mini-split systems provide maxi- Mini-split systems are designed with cleanerinterior air in mind. No ductwork meansno dust or mold to blow around a homeandthe built-in ion deodorization 30 percent of energy consumption, es- and microorganisms are caught in the filter, promoting allergen-free air. Ductless mini-split systems are designed with Earth-friendly elements, usinga refriger- Live Green, Save Green: mum energy efficiency, saving homeowners up to 25 percentofutility bills by simply eliminating wasteful ducts. Duct losses can easily account for more than pecially if the ducts are not sealed tight or are located in an unconditioned space such as an attic or crawl space. This is particularly good newsfor older homes, homes without existing ductwork or homeswith seasonal additions, such as a sunroom. Installing ductwork is expen- filter absorbs odors. Dust, mold spores ant called R410A, knownforits potential for zero ozone depletion. Learn More For further facts and to find a con- tractor nearby, call (888) 888-3424 or visit www.constantcomfort.com or www. fujitsugeneral.com.
