Each month, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) offers you the chance to Ask the Energy Expert. Got a question about energy efficiency or renewable energy? Send your question to EnergyExpert@nullnhec.com and get answers from the Co-op Energy Solutions team.
This month’s Energy Expert is Chris Johnson. Chris is a Program Administrator who oversees NHEC’s High Efficiency Heat Pump and ENERGY STAR Homes programs.
Q: I’m sick of the heat and want to take steps to cool my home. What are my options for an economical but effective solution?
A: There are a range of cooling options, depending on how much space you want to cool and how much money you want to spend.
No doubt the cheapest way to cool is to use fans. Just getting the air moving will make it feel cooler, even if the thermometer doesn’t budge. Ceiling fans and box fans use very little power and provide some immediate relief.
If you’re looking for something a little cooler, your next option is to install a window air conditioner. An 8,000 BTU unit is sufficient to cool a 20′ by 16′ room (about 350 square feet). Your upfront cost is modest – about $150 to $200 – and $20 mail-in rebates are available at many stores for the purchase of ENERGY STAR certified models. Operating costs will vary depending on the model you buy and how often you use it, but as a rule of thumb, operating an 8,000 BTU window air conditioner costs about $15 per month.
Another cooling solution that is gaining in popularity is the ductless mini-split heat pump. Like standard air-source heat pumps, mini splits have two main components – an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. A conduit, which houses the power cable, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the outdoor and indoor units.
The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air-handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone (which in turn is affected by how well the building is insulated and air sealed). Each of the zones has its own thermostat, so you only need to condition occupied spaces. This will save energy and money.
In the shoulder months of spring and fall, the ductless mini-split has the added bonus of providing heating, which is three times as efficient as standard oil or propane systems. Mini-splits are very quiet and can be installed in locations where window air conditioning units cannot.
So what about costs? A standard 12,000 BTU mini-split unit costs about $3,000 installed. New Hampshire Electric Co-op members can take advantage of rebates up to $900 on qualified models (see NHEC.coop/energysolutions for more details). Because of its highly efficient heat pump technology, operating costs are very low – typically a third to half of the cost to operate a window AC unit.
Finally, your “Cadillac” option is installing central air conditioning. This is a comprehensive, whole-house solution that requires duct work and professional installation. Not surprisingly, installation costs are high – it can range into the tens of thousands of dollars if your home needs to be retrofitted. NHEC has a rebate program for this as well, so be sure to check our Web site before you install.