It is often said that air conditioners are bad for the environment and that they are one of the primary sources of greenhouse gases. Considering the rising temperatures every year, an AC is not a luxury but a necessity.
Whether it is true or not that AC is bad for the environment, there are ways to make your AC more eco-friendly. This blog is all about useful tips and ideas that will lower your energy bills and keep your house temperature comfortable.
Check it out now and contact a professional for AC maintenance in Orange County for more tips.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner
Eco-friendly practice starts from the moment when you invest in an air conditioner. With the rising cry for sustainability, the market is flooded with AC units labeled with Energy Star. These stars signify the energy efficiency of the unit. In fact, the government of California has introduced several programs where you can claim up to $3000 in rebates for investing in an energy-efficient AC.
When buying an AC unit, consider the SEER rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the AC is.
Also, invest in a unit that is suitable for your home. A smaller unit will not cool your house sufficiently, while a larger unit will only increase utility bills.
Adopt Eco-Friendly Practices
There are ways to ensure that your air conditioning unit is not overworking and isn’t causing an increase in utility bills. Here are some tips:
- Using ceiling fans alongside AC can make a significant difference. Ceiling fans reduce wind chills in the room by circulating air more effectively. They also provide better cooling even at a higher temperature, preventing the AC from overworking and reducing energy bills.
- Keep your house from heating. During the afternoon, keep your windows covered so the sunlight doesn’t stream in and heat the space. It is advised to open windows and doors early in the morning and in the evening to let in fresh air, as it is also important.
- Insulating your home is also important, as cool air leaks and causes the AC to overwork. Check your attic, windows, and doors. During the annual AC maintenance in Orange County, check your house for leaks.
Optimize Your AC System
The key to maintaining your AC system is to schedule regular maintenance. This is most often asserted by professionals and might seem like a marketing technique, but it is a crucial aspect of keeping your AC in good shape. During AC maintenance, the professionals clean the unit (indoor and outdoor), replace the worn-out parts, and look for any potential problems. When the AC unit is properly cleaned and maintained, it consumes less power, cools efficiently, and thus contributes to sustainability.
Another way to reduce energy consumption is to install a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats are capable of a lot many things, including sensing the presence and adjusting temperatures accordingly; they adapt to your habits and need no manual intervention once they learn, reducing energy consumption when you are not home. In addition, they are remotely accessible, so if you forget to turn off the AC, you can do so remotely or adjust the temperature when you are about to reach home so the place is ready for your arrival.
Monitor Energy Usage
Do you ever wonder how much energy you consume yearly or how much power your AC unit needs?
Today, smart energy systems allow you to monitor and reduce your energy usage by adopting eco-friendly practices. Even a slight change of habits can make drastic changes in energy usage.
To reduce energy usage, use zoning systems. It allows you to cool areas that are in use.
Renewable Energy Sources
When aiming for sustainability, there are other options available. If you pay federal taxes, a 30% rebate on solar panel installation is available. This is called the federal solar tax credit or Investment Tax Credit.
Based on the average energy consumption in California, you will need a 5 kW solar panel installation which will cost you approximately $14000 on an average.
Also, you can offset the excess energy production against your utility bills. So, it is a win-win.
California aims to use 100% clean energy by 2050, and it will require households to participate in the program to achieve that goal.
Final Words
Going eco-friendly is possible even when you use air conditioners. The tips and ideas mentioned above are not difficult to follow. If you are conscious of the environment and want to leave a greener earth for your kids, then it is imperative that you consider these ideas seriously.
Although your air conditioner might be just another appliance in your home, it uses a significant amount of energy, which can be monitored and reduced by regularly scheduled AC maintenance in Orange County.