Going green has different meanings to different people. Some people do it to save on energy and others to reduce their overall carbon print on the planet. Nevertheless, creating a sustainable residence is not all about money; it usually contributes to cleaner environments and healthier communities. Regardless of the reasons you have for going green, your air conditioning unit is an excellent place to begin.
Generally, cooling and heating make up almost half of the overall energy used by an average American household. One of the easiest ways to minimize the energy that your air conditioner utilizes is to schedule annual maintenance on your air conditioning system. Yearly maintenance of the unit will not only help you conserve energy, but it’ll also help keep the HVAC unit running smoothly and prevent the need for air conditioner repairs. Here are some easy air conditioner eco-friendly tips that will help the environment, save energy, and lower your monthly cooling and heating costs.
- Maintaining a Constant Temperature
Maintaining a constant temperature needs a little effort from your AC unit to achieve comfort in your home. That means reducing the number of heat sources around and inside your home. Using landscaping or even curtains to block sunlight will minimize solar heating to help keep your residence cooler. You can also consider cooking your meals indoors using your microwave or outside using a grill to reduce the heating from your oven and stove.During milder days or the cool season, don’t allow your residential property to become extremely hot before turning on your air conditioning unit. The higher the indoor temperature, the more your HVAC system will work to bring it down. Furthermore, it takes a lot of energy for your HVAC unit to start compared to the energy used to keep it running. Even though you might have to turn the air conditioner on earlier, the smaller the difference between the air temperature you want and your current indoor temperature, the less work your HVAC unit will do.
- Installing a Two-Stage AC System
When installing a new air conditioner or replacing your old unit, consider going for a two-stage air conditioner. Generally, single-stage air conditioners run at one speed only, providing more cooling than you require, which increases your home’s cooling costs. On the other hand, a two-stage air conditioning unit uses a two-speed compressor that can easily tailor the cooling needs of your home. Based on the temperature you want to maintain inside the house and the temperatures outside, you can achieve that.Many two-stage units run at a lower speed but can seamlessly switch to a higher speed without a problem when you need extra cooling. This adaptability can help reduce the total energy used by your air conditioning unit while still providing the amount of cooling needed for maximum comfort in your home.
- Air Sealing Your Residential Property
Air sealing refers to preventing air exchange between the air outside and the air inside your home. Maintaining an enclosed environment indoors will prevent your HVAC unit from working more than necessary to maintain a cool home.Although you need some ventilation to enjoy high-quality indoor air, the ventilation offered by the roof ventilation system is enough. That means that you need to consider keeping your doors and windows closed during hot days, instead of opening them to catch a breeze. But if you prefer having moving air for enhanced comfort, you can utilize an overhead fan; it’ll also boost the cooling capacity of your air conditioner. The more consistent your indoor temperatures remain, the easier it’ll be for your HVAC unit to cool your residential property while using less energy.
- Changing Your Air Filters Frequently
One of the biggest causes of an underperforming air conditioner is a dirty air filter. Experts recommend checking your air filters for debris and dirt at least once every month. If you cannot see some light passing through it, chances are the filter is dirty, causing it to block airflow. Generally, high-quality air filters can last between two and three months, but some can even last for one year. Checking your air filters every couple of weeks is an excellent way to make sure that your air conditioner is continually operating at maximum efficiency. - Inspecting Your Ductwork for Leaks
Your ductwork is one of the common leaky areas in your HVAC system. Damaged or unsealed ducts cause air leaks, which can lead to a 25% energy loss. Inspect your ductwork and air vents to make sure that there are no leaks or blockages that can hinder proper airflow to each room in your house. An HVAC professional can also inspect your ductwork, clean them thoroughly, and repair all the areas where the air is leaking in or out. - Cleaning the Coils of the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit can get a little bit dirty, but too much buildup can interfere with your air conditioner’s ideal functioning. Therefore, it is essential to check your air conditioner’s outdoor unit for excess dirt, too. As the system’s fan pulls in air, the outdoor unit also pulls in some debris, which can significantly impair the efficiency of your AC system. Check on the unit’s coils every month and ensure that there is no debris or dirt stuck on your air conditioner’s outdoor unit. If your coils require deep cleaning and you are not comfortable doing it, you can consult your HVAC company. - Installing a Programmable Thermostat
A recent research study indicates that you can save up to 15% on your energy costs by decreasing your temperature by 10 degrees during the winter season and increasing it by 10 degrees during summer. Nevertheless, remembering to regulate your home’s thermostat when heading out each time isn’t always easy.If you invest in a programmable or smart thermostat, however, you do not have to worry about adjusting your temps. You only need to program the device to adjust itself so that you can continually save money and energy. You can easily set the temperatures based on your habits and the times you are usually at home. That will help you avoid wasting energy cooling or heating your home when you are not there.
One of the biggest concerns of many homeowners worldwide is making their residences as environmentally friendly as possible. Even though there are many ways to make your home more eco-friendly, the best approach is to engage in air conditioner maintenance. Ensure that your air conditioning system runs efficiently to help you save on energy costs and minimize your carbon footprint. The seven eco-friendly maintenance tips discussed above will help the environment, save energy, and lower your monthly cooling and heating costs. Some of the eco-friendly solutions above are simple DIY jobs, but others need a professional touch.
You can contact an HVAC expert from Summit Heating & A/C in Denver to help you determine the best ways to keep your house eco-friendly and cool. Our NATE-certified AC technicians have the relevant skills and experience to handle all your AC-related issues to keep your home comfortable. We also provide other services, including heating maintenance, repairs, and installations. You can turn to our team for indoor air quality solutions as well. Contact us today to book your appointment for all your air conditioning and heating needs.
