insights

With this year’s Earth Day just around the corner, it’s essential for us as individuals to understand that our smallest actions can create the biggest impact collectively, and it is especially imperative when it comes to protecting our only home – the Earth for our future generations.

If you are looking for ways to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, consider some improvements you can make to your HVAC system. These minor changes are beneficial for the environment and can make a significant difference in your monthly heating and cooling bills. Read the article to discover energy-saving tips to make your HVAC system more environment-friendly.

What Is Earth Day?

Earth Day is a special occasion dedicated to honouring our planet and raising awareness about the significance of safeguarding the environment. It serves as a reminder for us to explore ways to contribute positively to our Earth’s well-being. One impactful method of contributing to protecting the environment is by enhancing the energy efficiency of our homes, especially through improving the energy efficiency of our appliances and equipment including the HVAC System, which is unsurprisingly one of the biggest energy-consuming equipment in every household.

How Much Energy Does Your HVAC System Currently Use?

Determining the energy consumption of your HVAC system can be done in a few ways. One method is to look at the SEER rating. SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, indicates how much energy your system utilizes to cool your residence over the cooler seasons. A higher SEER rating signifies a more efficient system. For a new air conditioner, the SEER rating should be a minimum of 13. If you aim for an ENERGY STAR®-certified system, the SEER rating typically starts at 14.5 or above.

In addition to the SEER rating, you can evaluate the AFUE rating of your furnace. AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures the percentage of fuel utilized by your furnace that is transformed into heat for your home. A higher AFUE rating means a more efficient furnace. Though there isn’t a legally mandated minimum AFUE rating, most modern furnaces have an AFUE rating of 80% or higher. Opting for an ENERGY STAR-certified furnace means selecting one with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher.

Energy Saving Tips For Your HVAC System

Install a smart thermostat – Installing a smart thermostat can potentially reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.

Schedule regular HVAC tune-ups – Planned HVAC maintenance will not only boost the energy efficiency of the system but also catch problems before they turn into major issues and require costly repairs. It also increases the lifespan of your heating equipment.

Choose energy-rated models – If you are looking to buy a new HVAC system, choose ones that have the Energy-Star label. These newer units are at least 15% more efficient than older models. Remember to hire certified air conditioning installers when upgrading to a new system for optimal performance.

Improve your home’s insulation – When you have a well-insulated home, it minimizes the loss of heat from your home. This means your HVAC system does not need to be overworked to maintain comfortable interiors. Having a well-insulated home and ensuring there are no leaks in your home’s windows, doors, and ductwork can save you around 15% on your energy bills.

Change your air-filter – By regularly replacing your air filter, you can ensure that clean air flows freely through the system. This not only improves the overall air quality but also allows your HVAC system to operate more efficiently. A clean air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other particles from clogging the system, which can lead to reduced airflow and increased energy consumption. Ultimately, changing your air filter regularly can help lower your energy bills, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and create a healthier environment for you and your family.

Adjusting your thermostat – Adjusting the thermostat in your home can significantly impact energy efficiency in a number of ways. By lowering the thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer, you can reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems, ultimately leading to lower energy consumption. For every degree you lower your thermostat in the winter, you can save about 1-3% on your heating bill, and conversely, for each degree you raise your thermostat in the summer, you can save on cooling costs.

If you have an HVAC system that is over 11 years old, then replacing it is the best way to increase energy efficiency, since old systems tend to be overworked and consume more energy than newer units.

Whether you want an HVAC replacement, maintenance, or a simple check-up, connect with Taunton Trades – an HVAC specialist in Whiby serving Oshawa, Durham & the GTA. Call us at 905-493-4227 or send an email to mail@tauntontrades.com.