This is a collaborative post
Carbon emissions are the focus of individuals and companies alike in the modern day, particularly focusing on how to reduce them. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons as compared to an average of 4 tons per person globally, going to show why there is such a focus on this endeavour. One area where the average person can tighten up their carbon footprint is at home, specifically with their HVAC system. Those in climates that get extremely hot or extremely cold rely on this system quite a bit, yet are unaware that there are ways to make it more efficient. Learn six key tips you need to know to reduce your carbon footprint by making your HVAC system more efficient.
Tip 1: Invest in a High-Efficiency HVAC System
The first tip for improving your carbon footprint through your HVAC system is to simply invest in a high-efficiency system. Ideally, look for an HVAC system that has a SEER rating or Energy Star certification so that you know the system’s efficiency is at peak performance. These systems will usually have advanced and smart thermostats, variable-speed blowers, zoning capabilities, and more. This can result in both fewer carbon emissions and lower energy bills for your home.
Tip 2: Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Naturally, an HVAC system that is outdated, dirty, and broken down will not be putting less carbon emissions into the air than a cleaned system. Continually clean the filters in your HVAC system, check refrigerant levels, and inspect the ducts to ensure optimal performance. If you are unsure how to conduct these maintenance tasks on parts of your HVAC system, contact furnace maintenance centennial co providers who can help.
Tip 3: Optimize Your HVAC Settings
Another quick way to improve your carbon footprint via the HVAC system is to play with the settings of the system. A home thermostat will impact emissions by affecting how much greenhouse gases are pulled from power plants for use in your home. By simply adjusting your thermostat by two degrees in the winter or summer, you can save thousands of pounds on your emissions. Ideally you have a smart thermometer in your home which you can set to auto adjust the temperature based on a schedule, but if you don’t then set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget.
Tip 4: Seal and Insulate Your Home
When air leaks out of or into your home, you will naturally need to run your HVAC system more frequently to either cool things down or heat them up. This added runtime for your system will reduce its efficiency overall and also increase energy costs, not to mention the amount of greenhouse gases used by your home. Identify leaks in your home and use methods such as caulking or weatherstripping to improve the insulation so that you can start saving on your emissions.
Tip 5: Consider Alternative Heating and Cooling Sources
Sometimes, the best way to save money and emissions on your HVAC system is to not use the system at all. Consider alternative options such as geothermal heat pumps or solar heating which will use natural sources to derive the energy for your home, rather than greenhouse gases. The only downside to these more sustainable options is that they often cost more upfront to implement which can create frustrations for those who have a tighter budget.
Tip 6: Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
One of the best solutions to consider when thinking about how to improve your carbon footprint is to simply upgrade your entire system to include a smart thermostat. This tool often comes with features that can save energy such as learning your preferences to adjust the temperature automatically, entering standby mode when it detects no one is home, downloading software updates to improve efficiency, and even reducing usage during peak energy times. Making this small change can save you as much as 8% on your electrical bill or the equivalent of around $50 per year all while helping you improve your carbon emissions.
Improve the energy efficiency of your home today
Reducing your carbon footprint via the above energy-efficient HVAC tips will help you to contribute to a greener globe overall. In addition to this, improving the efficiency of your HVAC system will also inevitably throw more dollars into your wallet. Taking action and implementing these tips does not take much effort on your part and the benefits will be more than worth it, so start the overhaul of your HVAC system today.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post