As the warmer summer months are approaching, many are dreading the upcoming bills associated with keeping homes cool. Not only are the cooling costs a concern, but the impact air conditioning has on the environment is something the eco-conscious worry about too. Whether cooling a small home, multi-family residential properties, or commercial buildings, Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning has some tips to help lower energy bills while also reducing carbon footprint.
1. Replace Old HVAC Systems
Aging HVAC systems are energy inefficient, costly to run, and as a result produce high carbon emissions. Upgrading to a system with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of at least 13 will provide significant cost savings. For example, if you were to replace a SEER 9 system with one rated as a SEER 13, there would be a 30% decrease in energy consumption. That would equal a savings of approximately $300 each year.
2. Consider a Geothermal System
Another alternative to an energy-efficient HVAC system is a geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP). A GHSP utilizes the natural stable temperature of the ground to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer and as a result is extremely efficient. Setup costs are higher than for GHSPs than traditional HVAC systems, but the product has an estimated lifespan of 25 years. Most users typically recoup the cost within the first 10 years of use.
3. Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you aren’t ready to replace your entire HVAC system, there are still steps you can take to reduce your energy bills. Installing a Wi-Fi thermostat will enable you to easily control your usage, no matter where you are. Programmable thermostats can even be linked to your smartphone to detect when you are near home to automatically heat or cool your home in anticipation of your arrival.
4. Change Your Air Filter
The easiest and cheapest way to reduce your energy bills is to regularly change your system’s air filter. A dirty filter will cause your HVAC system to work harder and inefficiently.
Implementing any of these tips will help reduce energy bills and your ecological footprint. To learn more about any of the options listed above or for a free quote, contact Jacobs Heating & Air conditioning at 503-234-7331.
