Nowadays, it seems like everyone is conscious about their impact on the environment. As a homeowner, you can make a difference with your heating and cooling system. There are several ways you can help the environment with your current system, but you might want to consider purchasing a new HVAC unit. Below are ways you can positively impact the environment and save money! Douglas Cooling & Heating offers high-efficiency HVAC replacements and skilled technicians to install your new HVAC unit. We will maintain your current system to boost energy efficiency throughout the year!
HVAC Replacement
The most significant way you can help the environment is with an HVAC system replacement. Older heating and cooling systems weren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind. They use far more energy than newer models and are money pits when it comes to energy waste. Using your HVAC system past its suggested life expectancy leads to extreme energy waste and expensive repairs.
If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old, a higher efficiency system could reduce your energy costs up to 20% yearly. Furnaces and boilers that are over 15 years old should be replaced with high-efficiency systems to increase energy savings up to 15% annually. When buying an HVAC system replacement, look for units that offer a high seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEERs), energy efficiency ratios (EERs), or heat seasonal performance factors (HSPFs).
Another indication a system offers high-efficiency performance is if it meet ENERGY STAR requirements. ENERGY STAR products ensure the consumer that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If you don’t see a high SEER, EER, HSPF rating, or the ENERGY STAR label present on your HVAC system replacement, you won’t get the savings you want or help the environment!
Regular Preventive Maintenance
Homeowners can easily forget to maintain their heating and cooling systems as the season changes. A well-maintained system with preventative maintenance allows the equipment to run smoothly and efficiently year-round. When equipment is dirty or worn down, its performance is hindered, leading to damaged parts or eventual failure of the entire unit. A unit with compromised performance uses more energy, affecting your impact on the environment.
Our NATE-certified technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating will clean dirt, dust, and other debris from your air ducts, your system’s components, and change the filter. We offer preventative maintenance plans and will keep your system operating longer while reducing your monthly energy bills.
Reusable Air Filters
Reduce your HVAC system’s energy usage by replacing the air filter once every three to four months. If you want to save even more money, consider using air filters in your HVAC system that are reusable or permanent. Reusable filters are cleaned with water to clear dirt, dust, and debris, which keeps your system operating optimally, using less energy to control the temperature in your home.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Your thermostat plays a significant role in how your HVAC system consumes energy. If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to boost energy efficiency and energy savings. Programmable thermostats offer more control of your temperature settings when you are away, home, asleep, or on vacation. If you decide to invest in a new HVAC unit, there are recommended thermostats that can boost your new system’s efficiency even more. Ask Douglas Cooling & Heating which thermostat is best for your HVAC replacement and our technicians will determine which is best and where the best location is for your new thermostat.
It’s time to make your HVAC system more environmentally friendly! Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to have your current unit maintained with our preventative maintenance plan or invest in a new HVAC unit that is more energy efficient. We will help you conserve more energy while saving you money year-round!
