The US Energy Information Administration or EIA states that half of the energy an average American home consumes is used for heating and cooling. Unfortunately, the last decade has brought about an increase in electricity costs. Statista also reports that it is expected to continue to rise in 2021. To make sure you reduce energy consumption and HVAC costs, you need a system that is properly maintained and highly efficient. This will make your home have more of an eco-friendly heating and cooling system.
Going Green With Your HVAC
Read on to find out how you can be “greener” with your HVAC.
Replace Your Old Heating & Cooling System With A New One
HVAC systems become less efficient as they age. They also are more prone to wear and tear. If you have a unit that is more than eight years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient system. This will save you a significant amount of energy and money. Modern HVAC units are made to be more efficient than older ones, thanks to technological advancements in the hVAC industry.
However, keep in mind that not all HVAC systems are the same. Each cooling unit has different Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER ratings. However, furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE rating. The higher the rating, the better the energy efficiency of the system. This is something you need to consider when looking to upgrade your current HVAC system.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
The efficiency of your HVAC system will increase when it is coupled with a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats are the most efficient ones to have as they change the temperature per the occupants’ living habits. It allows your HVAC unit to run only as needed, so you save more energy.
You can also opt for basic programmable thermostats. While they don’t offer the fancy features of a smart thermostat, they are still more efficient than manual thermostats. For instance, you can have the programmable thermostat lower the temperature automatically while you are out of your house in winter. It can also be set to increase the temperature a little bit before you come home. This way, you won’t heat an empty house and you won’t have to sacrifice comfort. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll have an eco-friendlier home as you will save a lot of energy.
Use Natural Lighting
If you have west-facing windows at home, you probably feel the room temperature increase during the afternoons. This is an advantage to have during the winter season. However, it can be an issue during the summer as it heats up your home, making your AC unit work harder. If you have natural lighting, install curtains, blinds, and shades so you can cool or heat your home depending on what is needed.
Proper HVAC System Installation
An HVAC unit is likely to be inefficient from the start if any of its components are installed poorly. For example, your system’s refrigerant needs to be measured precisely. Otherwise, you will have an under-or over-pressurized system. The refrigerant in an AC needs to be the optimal amount at all times. Otherwise, your system will not remove heat and humidity from the enclosed space efficiently. The AC will end up running longer and become less efficient. The refrigerant is just one of the many parts that need to be correctly calibrated so that your system can function as it should. Therefore, it is always recommended to leave the installation to a professional HVAC contractor.
Use HVAC Zoning
One of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC installation is energy-efficient is by implementing zoning in your home. This is when you use closed-circuit units to cool or heat different areas in your home. This way, the temperature in each zone will cater to the specific needs of the occupant. You can also switch off the HVAC system in unoccupied rooms. If a room receives direct sunlight, you can also adjust the temperature to suit the space. This feature is handy in large homes and buildings. Be sure to ask your HVAC contractor about ductless heating and cooling systems. These units are highly energy-efficient, offer customizable comfort, and significantly help reduce energy costs.
Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance
Yearly HVAC system maintenance helps promote efficiency, making your home more eco-friendly. Ensure that you call a reputable HVAC company to inspect, clean, and maintain your HVAC system before each heating and cooling season.
Check & Increase Your Insulation
The insulation in your home has a significant effect on your HVAC system’s efficiency. Therefore, have an HVAC professional audit and look for spots where air might be leaking. These areas need weatherstripping and caulking so that your HVAC system can operate at optimum levels. After all, the US Department of Energy stated that these spaces lose around 30% of residential heating and cooling energy.
Have Your HVAC Ducts Checked For Leaks
The duct should be airtight so that the warm or cool air reaches its intended destination. The airflow should also be unrestricted. Have a professional inspect your HVAC ductwork for any cracks, holes, and gaps that might be causing air to leak. An expert can also check for any elements that are hindering airflow.
Use Landscaping To Your Advantage
Trees help regulate indoor temperature by lowering it during the summer. Having natural shade on your property helps keep your home cooler. As a result, you don’t need to run your AC as often. You conserve energy this way, and this will be evident in your reduced cooling costs.
Conclusion
Going green is a choice made because of various reasons. It could be because they want to meet regulations, or it could be about saving more money. For some, the reason could be about reducing their carbon footprint.
Your HVAC system is an excellent place to start with this endeavor. A highly efficient HVAC system is a worth-it investment that will pay itself off, especially if you keep your HVAC unit in excellent working condition with proper and regular maintenance.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
When you need superior HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, do not hesitate to call Point Bay Fuel. We only hire the best professionally certified and highly trained technicians who can do HVAC services like maintenance, replacements, installations, and repairs. All our friendly techs are skilled, knowledgeable, and experience in conducting accurate and prompt services at all times.
Rest assured that Point Bay Fuel offers the most competitive HVAC service rates in the area. We can improve your home’s comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency with our maintenance services. If you need to replace your old HVAC system, we can find the best make and model to suit your needs and budget. Book an appointment with Point Bay Fuel today for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!
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