Going Green With Your HVAC System
Heating and cooling take roughly half of the energy utilized in a standard American home, as stated by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Moreover, Statista reports that the cost of electricity has been increasing for the past 10 years and is expected to increase again in 2021. If you want to reduce your total energy usage, as well as your environmental and financial expenses, you must be certain that you have an eco-friendly heating and cooling unit. It should be energy-efficient and also fully functional.
Going Green With Your Heating & Air Conditioning Unit
Contents
- 1 Going Green With Your Heating & Air Conditioning Unit
- 1.1 Replace Your Old HVAC System With A New One
- 1.2 Install A Programmable Thermostat
- 1.3 Make Use Of Natural Lighting
- 1.4 Ensure That Your HVAC System Is Properly Installed
- 1.5 Have Your HVAC Ductwork Examined For Leaks
- 1.6 Utilize HVAC Zoning
- 1.7 Schedule Annual Heating & Cooling Maintenance
- 1.8 Insulation Inspection/Increase
- 1.9 Take Advantage Of Landscaping
- 1.10 Conclusion
- 2 Contact Lawes Company For All Your HVAC Needs
Having said that, here are nine ways to make your HVAC more environmentally friendly:
Replace Your Old HVAC System With A New One
As HVAC systems get older, they lose efficiency and break down more frequently. Increased energy consumption equals decreased efficiency. If you have an HVAC system that is more than eight years old, you will save a lot of money and energy by switching to a high-efficiency unit. Because of technological advancements, newer versions of HVAC systems are generally more efficient than their older counterparts. HVAC systems come in a variety of designs. Air conditioners are given SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, whilst furnaces are given AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings. If you are considering replacing your HVAC unit, you should note that a higher rating indicates more energy efficiency.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
To improve the effectiveness of your HVAC system, you should utilize a programmable thermostat. You should opt for a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature according to your preferences. Your HVAC system will only run when it is needed with a smart thermostat, saving you money and energy. Even the most basic programmable thermostats are significantly more efficient than manual thermostats. When you’re not at home, a programmable thermostat allows you to leave your house at a set temperature and then return to a more comfortable temperature. These changes in temperature can save a considerable amount of energy, making programmed HVAC systems more eco-friendly.
Make Use Of Natural Lighting
You have probably noticed the regular afternoon rise in room temperature if you reside in a house with west-facing windows. In the winter, a rise in temperature is advantageous. However, in the summer, it becomes a problem. By leveraging your shades, curtains, and blinds, you can use natural lighting to heat and cool your home.
Ensure That Your HVAC System Is Properly Installed
A more efficient HVAC system is better for the environment. If any of the components are not properly installed, your HVAC system will be inefficient from the start. To avoid under-or over-pressurizing your system, for example, the refrigerant in your unit should be accurately measured. If your air conditioner has less than the required amount of refrigerant, it will be less effective in eliminating heat and humidity from your property, requiring you to run it for longer. The correct refrigerant is only one of several components that must be properly calibrated for your system to function properly. That is why you must always hire a reliable and professional HVAC company.
Have Your HVAC Ductwork Examined For Leaks
In order for the cooled or heated air to reach its destination, the HVAC ducts must be airtight and unobstructed. As a result, have a professional HVAC contractor inspect your HVAC ducts to make certain there are no leaks or obstacles to ventilation.
Utilize HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning is one of the most effective methods to ensure that your HVAC system is environmentally friendly. Closed-circuit systems can be used to heat and cool different spaces of your home using zone heating and cooling. This enables you to regulate the temperature in every zone of the house. If you aren’t utilizing a specific portion of your home, you can turn off the HVAC system that services it. If a room receives direct sunshine, the HVAC system can be adjusted to heat or cool the space as needed. HVAC zoning is extremely useful in large constructions such as residences. In addition, ductless HVAC units are becoming more common in today’s households. Inquire with your HVAC contractor about the advantages of ductless systems.
Schedule Annual Heating & Cooling Maintenance
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance for both your heating and cooling units. Doing so keeps your HVAC system running efficiently, and therefore more environmentally friendly. A skilled HVAC contractor should examine, clean, and tune-up your HVAC system prior to every cooling and heating season.
Insulation Inspection/Increase
The effectiveness of an HVAC system is greatly influenced by the insulation of a building. You should have an HVAC expert audit your property to discover air leaks and make it more environmentally friendly. Caulking and weatherstripping such places will result in the HVAC system performing properly, since such areas account for around 30% of household heating and cooling energy consumption, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE).
Take Advantage Of Landscaping
During those hot summer months, trees can assist in lowering interior temperatures. By including natural shade in your yard, you can keep your house cooler. As a result, your air conditioner will run less frequently, helping you to save energy and money on cooling.
Conclusion
Homeowners in the United States opt to go green for a number of reasons. It’s about complying with rules for some, saving energy and money for others, and lowering their total carbon impact for others. Regardless of why you want to go green, the ideal place to begin is your HVAC system. If you install a highly efficient HVAC unit, you will be making an investment that pays off over time, particularly if it is well maintained.
Contact Lawes Company For All Your HVAC Needs
Lawes Company offers exceptional heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. We have a team of qualified and competent heating and air conditioning technicians who can provide you with outstanding HVAC tune-ups, replacements, repairs and installations, and replacements. All our technicians have the skills and experience required to correctly service your HVAC system.
Lawes Company ensures the most affordable heating and cooling service prices in the area. We offer maintenance services that help to increase your levels of comfort, improve energy efficiency, and minimize your property heating and cooling charges. If your HVAC unit needs to be repaired or replaced, we can offer advice regarding the perfect system for your house while staying within your budget. All our work is backed with a guarantee to make sure that you are satisfied. Call Lawes Company today to schedule a service appointment. We provide free in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!