According to estimates, about half of your energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your San Diego home. This means that HVAC substantially impacts the environment. Companies that develop these systems are aware of their impact, and they are taking steps to reduce it. Not only are they lowering their environmental impact at their manufacturing plants, but they are also creating more sustainable equipment for consumers.
Decreasing the Environmental Impact with Industry Advancements
HVAC companies are focused on lessening the environmental impact of their equipment with industry advancements like solar HVAC, geothermal heat pumps and air conditioners powered by ice. This type of equipment takes advantage of renewable energy.
Solar HVAC uses solar energy to operate a structure’s heating and cooling system. Solar energy can also send power to your interior and exterior lights as well as other home appliances.
Geothermal heat pumps have been available for a while. They are popular because they are effective and energy-efficient. A geothermal heat pump uses natural energy that’s under the ground for the power it needs to heat and cool your home’s interior spaces.
How New Technology Reduces the Effect on the Environment
By decreasing the amount of non-renewable energy being consumed, HVAC companies and the consumers who buy their products can reduce harmful emissions. New systems use a refrigerant that’s formulated to be safe for the environment, which protects the Earth’s ozone layer.
Systems that burn fossil fuels to heat gas as well as the process used to create electricity generate greenhouse gases. These are the gases that increase the Earth’s temperature. By transitioning to renewable energy for HVAC systems, you can play a role in decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases. You’ll also help to eliminate the use of fossil fuel entirely.
HVAC manufacturers are no longer using Freon for their systems. In fact, the product has been banned for new equipment. Puron is the replacement for Freon. This product does not include the elements that harm the Earth’s ozone layer. When you purchase a new HVAC system, you are decreasing your environmental impact.
Other Ways You Can Help the Planet
You can take other steps to decrease your impact on the environment. Along with investing in a more energy-efficient HVAC system, you can purchase other appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings. Also, consider shifting to sources of energy that operate in cleaner ways.
Energy efficiency is the process of using less energy for the same result. Using less energy means that your utility bills will be smaller, and you’ll decrease the amount of pollution that you’re sending out into the environment. For instance, if you switch to energy-efficient light bulbs that have ENERGY STAR certification, then your home will be using 70% to 90% less energy for illumination.
Tips to Choose the Best HVAC Equipment
Before purchasing an HVAC system, research your options to determine the best choice for your area, budget, and needs. Consider the amount of insulation that you have in your attic and within the walls. Also, think about the number of windows that you have and where they are placed in relation to the sun. You’ll want to consider how shaded your home is and the amount of air seepage that happens through cracks and around windows as well as doors. Window coverings can make a difference, as can the kind of flooring that you have.
Selecting an Energy-Efficient HVAC System for Your Home
If you’re in the market for an energy-efficient HVAC system for your San Diego home, contact us at West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar. Our technicians have the experience and training to assess your residence and recommend the best system for you. Contact us for an appointment today.
Image provided by iStock
