How to go green and stay comfortable.
February is a difficult time for HVAC units in Florida. Temperatures fluctuate wildly, from high 70s in the day to low 40s at night. Half the time it’s warm enough to use the AC, and the other half you have to switch the heater on and bundle up. This can strain your HVAC unit and cause energy bills to rise while also contributing to a greater carbon footprint.
This increase in use creates an interesting conundrum. As temperatures seesaw, we use our HVAC units more – but as we use them more, they produce more greenhouse gases. Going green becomes more important with every year. It also gets easier to do as we embrace new technologies, and as savvy consumers seek new ways to keep their energy bills low!
Staying Cool and Going Green
Air conditioners give off 117 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. That’s about two tons per home! In the US, it is more common to have an air conditioner than it is to have a garage or a dishwasher. While many people require their air conditioner to stay cool and healthy, especially here in Jacksonville, there are several ways to reduce our impact on the environment.
One way to stay cool without heavy use of your main air conditioner is portable air conditioning units. These utilize less energy as they cool a smaller space. This allows you to cool only the area you need to keep comfortable and spend less money to do so.
Smart Thermostats – Masters of Going Green
Smart thermostats are a small investment with a big payout. One of these programmable wonders can save you as much as $180 per year in energy costs! With a smart thermostat, you can use your smartphone to adjust the temperature when you are away from your home or set it to adjust automatically.
For instance, in spring and summer, for every degree you set your thermostat over 72 degrees, you can eliminate up to 120 pounds of carbon dioxide. Then you can just have it adjust to a more comfortable temperature when you’re on the way home. That means you can cut a ton of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere as well as save big on energy bills!
Repair Your HVAC Unit, Protect the Earth
Keeping your HVAC unit in good repair matters more than you
may realize. A fully-functioning, efficient, high-SEER unit will not only help you save on bills, it will also reduce your home’s carbon emissions. When a cooling unit becomes damaged, it can leak detrimental chemicals and work harder, producing more greenhouse gases, all of which are detrimental to the environment.
Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning is Your Partner for a Greener Planet!
A well-maintained HVAC unit is an investment in savings, in your comfort, and in a healthier planet. Contact Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about going green! Captain Planet would be proud.
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Energy efficiency
