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Green Tips for an Energy Efficient Air Conditioning System
The cost of (NOT) going green with your AC-How much is going green going to cost you when it comes to air conditioning? The real question should be how much its going to cost you if you don't. It's true that you may be looking at a higher initial investment if you choose an energy-efficient air conditioner, and a wise home owner will gladly spend extra on other projects to help reduce their reliance on air conditioning in the first place. But when you consider Mark's claims that you can reduce home energy usage 20 to 50 percent by going green in the cooling department, it's easy to see how this is one instance where going green is almost guaranteed to pay for itself, and more, as time goes by.
The true value of going green-Reduced utility bills aside, Mark is also quick to point out that the real value of going green extends far beyond the energy savings you'll enjoy. In the case of air conditioning, going green means a healthier home environment for you and your family, a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and the creation of greenhouse gases, and the peace of mind in knowing that you're doing your part in creating a better, more environmentally responsible world for your children.
Purchase a High-efficiency unit- Replacing an older model with a high-efficiency air conditioner can reduce home cooling costs and energy usage by 20 to 50 percent. For central air conditioners look for SEER ratings of 14 or higher.
Purchase a properly sized unit- Air conditioners that are too large or small for an area will run inefficiently, waste energy, and wear out more quickly then an AC that has been sized properly by your HVAC contractor. In addition, they don't dehumidify well if they are constantly turning on and off. You want an air conditioner sized to run as constantly as possible.
Get an attic fan- If your home feels warm upstairs, chances are you are running your air conditioner more to combat the heat. An attic fan reduces the temperature in the unfinished attic area, and makes your home a lot cooler from the top down. Today's attic fans are quiet, inexpensive to operate, and long lasting- PLUS they pay for themselves in about one year.
Install ceiling fans- The breeze created by a good ceiling fan can eliminate the need to run your AC on cooler days, and will allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher on the days you will be running it. Ceiling fans also help distribute warm air in the winter, helping to reduce energy costs.
Increase your attic insulation- Adding more insulation is one of the best investments you can make. It will provide a return on investment in a matter of a few months to a few years and put cash in your pocket in the coming years as electricity gets increasingly expensive.
Seal and insulate ductwork- Poorly sealed ductwork can drastically reduce the cooling efficiency of your air conditioning system, as can ductwork that runs trough un-insulated spaces like attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
Install programmable thermostats- Multiple zone, programmable thermostats help reduce energy consumption since you wont have to remember to turn the AC up or down. In addition, every degree higher you set your AC will reduce your home cooling costs 3 to 5 percent.
Avoid unwanted sources of heat- Electric freezers, cloths dryers, dishwashers, and ovens all pump heat into your home. Move them to garages or basements, or use them at cooler parts of the day to avoid heating your home unnecessarily. Also shade east and west facing windows to reduce unwanted passive solar heat gain.
Which shade of green is right for you?-While thinking green when it comes to cooling your home is a smart choice for your pocketbook and the environment, its not unusual for homeowners to feel a little overwhelmed when presented with the full scope of green remodeling options. If you're feeling unsure about how green you're willing to go, there's no need to worry. Going green isn't an all or nothing proposition, and not every homeowner has the time or resources to purchase the most energy-efficient air conditioner on the market, install an attic fan and move ductwork into an insulated area all in one foul swoop. The truth of the matter is that any step you take in the green direction is a smart one, especially when it comes to the high costs and heavy energy consumption that go hand-in-hand with artificially cooling your home.
If you do think green is the right choice for you, call Mark Pelke HVAC Electrical about adopting a green remodeling philosophy. We specialize in green building and remodeling so you can be sure that your approach to cooling your home is a green as it gets.
610-864-3741or Contact Us online.
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