How environmentally friendly is your HVAC?
Though air conditioning is not very eco-friendly, the more advanced HVAC systems are, the more efficiently they run. Still, as of 2018, 12 percent of US home energy consumption comes from air conditioning. Therefore, it’s important to try to reduce the carbon footprint of your new HVAC system. Check out the following tips for ways to go green with your HVAC.
Program Your Thermostat
Do you have a programmable thermostat?
If not, it’s time to upgrade. A programmable thermostat allows you to set your indoor temperature and forget about it till the next season.
For instance, when you’re not home, you can set the temperature above or below comfort level, depending on the season. A higher temperature during summer and a lower temperature during winter both reduce energy consumption.
The US Department of Energy recommends a daytime temperature of 78 degrees F during the summer and a daytime temperature of 68 degrees F during winter. You should reduce or increase the temperature setting by ten degrees when you’re not home, depending on the season.
Regulate Temperature With Natural Light
Did you know that natural light can help regulate your home’s temperature?
If you have west-facing windows, your home benefits from the heat of sunlight during the winter months. Just open your blinds, turn down the thermostat, and let the sunlight in.
During the summer, block out the sun by covering windows with heavy drapes or cooling shades. If you limit the opening of windows and doors at home during the summer months, you can keep your home reasonably cool.
Ensure Good Insulation
Your new HVAC system works twice as hard if your home’s insulation is not up to par. Before you turn on your heating or cooling, check the recommended insulation guidelines for your climate. Then, compare those recommendations to the amount and type of insulation you have in your home.
Your attic, basement, and garage must be sufficiently insulated in order to reduce your HVAC’s energy consumption. Furthermore, check if there are any significant gaps between your windows and doors where drafts can come through.
If you don’t have the budget to update your home’s insulation, ask your utility company to tell you about any discount or reimbursement plans available for homeowners who want to be more eco-friendly.
Schedule Regular Maintenance On Your New HVAC System
Did you know that your HVAC system needs regular maintenance even if it’s new? Not only should you have it inspected by an HVAC professional annually, but you should also change your unit’s filters.
Don’t just change your filters during the seasons when you’re using your HVAC system the most. Change the filter on a set schedule every four months or so. Any buildup that forms in your system as a result of a dirty filter will cause your HVAC unit to expend more energy when in use.
Invest In An HVAC Variable Frequency Drive
Did you know that you can buy a variable frequency drive for your HVAC system?
Not only can variable frequency drives boost your HVAC’s efficiency, but they can lower your energy bill. By using a service like Invertek Drives Midwest, LLC, you can control how much energy your HVAC unit uses while achieving the best cooling or heating results.
Ready to Go Green?
Upgrading to a new HVAC system and customizing it for efficiency isn’t the only way to go green at home. For more tips and tricks about being an eco-friendly citizen, browse through our blog archives today. Also, come back daily for more tips on reducing your carbon footprint.
