Earth Day Archives | I Want Smart

Spring is just about here, and with it comes a whole lot of green. At SMART, we’re going green as well – and we’re starting with advice for your HVAC system. Of course, these tips are better for the environment, but they’ll allow you to keep more “green” in your wallet as well.

Here are 4 Ways to Go Green With Your HVAC System.

1) Replace Your Old System With a New One
Not only do old HVAC systems break down, they also lose efficiency as they age. The less efficient they become, the more energy they use. While any new system will outperform an old one, ENERGY STAR systems are the most efficient around. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s the right size for your home. The more it cycles on and off, the more energy is wasted.

2) Get Your Hands on a Programmable Thermostat

There aren’t many advantages to having a manual thermostat. In fact, we can’t really think of any at all. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a specific temperature during the day while you’re out and about. We recommend easing off the heating and cooling at night by about 10 degrees as well. These small changes can slash your energy usage and costs in no time.

3) Use Natural Lighting to Control Temperature

Anyone with west facing windows knows just how hot the room can get as the afternoon sets in. In winter, you can use this to your advantage, but as the weather warms up, it can become an issue. Make sure you’re utilizing your blinds, curtains, and shades effectively to heat and cool each room naturally as much as possible.

4) Make Sure Everything Is Installed Properly

While Uncle Chuck might have you convinced he can install that new unit for nothing more than a six-pack of his favorite beer – that’s probably not the best road to travel down. Even if he gets it up and running, he may not do so as effectively and efficiently as a professional undoubtedly would. It may save you money right away, but it’ll cost you in the long run. Plus, we’re currently offering a $200 rebate on all AC and furnace replacements until June 30, 2016. Take advantage while you can!

For many, the month of April is symbolic of the start of spring and the blossoming of life after a long dreary winter. April also celebrates a day of reflection for the preservation and health of our planet, observed on the 22^nd. Since its creation in 1969, Earth Day has grown into a worldwide effort for what we can all do in our daily lives to make the world a better place. As this year’s Earth Day approaches, it’s important to understand as individual inhabitants of this planet that it’s the little actions we do that can make all the difference.

Every action no matter how small can directly impact our environment. And the proper care of our HVAC system, which comprises 46% (almost half!) of our combined energy uses, is an area we can all make a real difference. The professionals at SMART are trained in the proper maintenance and efficient operation of your HVAC systems. We have provided four helpful tips to conserve energy and ensure your HVAC system is running as smoothly as possible.

1) Change your air filter regularly

Change your air filter monthly or as required by your system’s manufacturer (consider changing more often if you have pets as hair and dander can clog air filters more quickly). A dirty air filter makes your system work harder and not as efficiently as possible, which can increase your energy use and put undue contaminants into the environment.

2) Tune up HVAC equipment

Tune ups are an important aspect of maintaining the health of your HVAC equipment, as this system is one of the most important investments in your home. Consider scheduling a regular tune up, from a trained HVAC professional, of your heating and cooling system before the winter or summer months when use will increase. The more energy your system uses, the more money you will pay in energy costs. In the long run, this low cost option can improve its efficiency and catch problems before they become costly.

3) Install a programmable thermostat

Have you ever fallen asleep or headed off to work and forgotten to adjust your thermostat? These are self-adjusting and allow you to precisely control the temperature in your home. You can program it to use less energy while you’re away or asleep at night.

4) Seal heating and cooling ducts

The sealing of your heating and cooling ducts is vital to the health of your HVAC system. Ducts are designed to move air from your heating and cooling system through the space of your home. Did you know that a typical residence’s ductwork can leak up to 30 percent of its airflow? That is a lot of wasted energy and money that could have been easily prevented simply by sealing your ductwork. Duct sealing eliminates air loss, improving system efficiency that can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 15 percent.

By performing these simple tasks not only can you save money on your heating and cooling needs, but you can reduce your carbon footprint and make the earth a better place for us all.

Be a positive impact on the environment. Contact a SMART professional near you to learn more on how you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.