There are plenty of reasons to go green. Most people associate “going green” with making changes that will benefit the environment by reducing water consumption, dependence on nonrenewable sources of energy and pollution. While this is great, another big reason for choosing to go green is that it can also help save money on your home’s energy costs. The following can make your Jacksonville home greener while also both helping the environment and saving you money each month on your home’s utility bills:
Replacing Your Air Conditioner
One of the biggest expenses most homeowners face is the cost of keeping their homes cool during the summer (especially in Florida). Using an air conditioner accounts for almost five percent of all the electricity that is used in the United States. It’s costing homeowners more than $11 billion each year. Replacing an older air conditioner with a new energy-efficient model with a SEER of 15 or higher could reduce your cooling costs up to 40 percent while doing additional good for the environment. Newer models no longer use R-22 (Freon) refrigerant, which is harmful to the environment; instead, they use R-410a (Puron), which is not harmful to the environment.
Reducing Water Heating Energy Use
Water heaters are the next biggest source of energy waste in many homes. If possible, keep your water heater’s thermostat set at 120 degrees to save energy. Higher temperatures are no longer needed for doing dishes because most dishwashers have the capability to boost the temperature of incoming water. If your water heater is nearing or past 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient one with at least a .67 EF (energy factor). You could save even more energy by switching to a natural gas tankless water heater with a .85 EF.
Reducing Water Use Throughout Your Home
Cutting down on the amount of water used in your home is another important step toward going green. When replacing appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, choose energy-efficient models that use less water. Upgrading your toilet to one that carries the EPA’s WaterSense sticker, meaning it uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush could save you up to $90 a year in water use. Other ways to save water in your home include:
- Switching to low-flow faucets and showerheads
- Repairing any leaky pipes or faucets
- Watering your lawn only when needed
- Taking your car to a carwash that recycles water instead of washing at home
The team at Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric are experts in helping Jacksonville homeowners go green by switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to see how you can make your home greener to help the environment and reduce your energy costs.
