To celebrate Earth Day, the experts at H.J. Faust, Inc. want to share with you a few ways to make your HVAC system more eco-friendly. These tips will not only reduce the amount of energy you use but, in most cases, help increase your indoor air quality. With improved indoor air quality, you may also see some relief from spring allergies. Ready to save the planet and improve the health of your home? Let’s dive right into how you can make your heating and cooling system more environmentally friendly this Earth Day (and for years to come)!
What Is Earth Day & How Can You Participate?
Since its inception in 1960, Earth Day has grown into a worldwide effort to think about what we can do in our daily lives to make the Earth a better place. The goal is to act with intention and note the small things you can do each day to make a difference.
If you are looking for ways to participate in Earth Day by becoming more eco-friendly and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consider some improvements you can make to your HVAC system. Not only are these changes great for the environment, but they can also make a difference in your monthly heating and cooling bills and can prepare your system for the cooling season ahead.
1. Change Your Air Filter
Changing out your air filter regularly has many benefits, including reducing the strain on your HVAC system. While we recommend replacing dirty filters every 30-90 days, Earth Day could be a great time to swap them out and establish a habit of checking and changing them regularly.
2. Inspect Your Ductwork
Did you know that leaky ducts are one of the most common culprits for HVAC inefficiencies? To make your HVAC system more eco-friendly, seal off any leaky areas in order to make sure your system is working as efficiently as possible.
3. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to set the temperature based on your habits, but newer models go one step further to increase efficiency. For example, the Lennox S30 thermostat Smart Away Mode uses the GPS in your smartphone to monitor when you leave the house and adjusts the temperature accordinly. When you come home, the thermostat will return the system to its normal settings. If there’s one tip we can leave you with today to make your HVAC system more eco-friendly, it’s that you should invest in a smart thermostat.
4. Keep Your Thermostat a Degree or Two Higher This Summer
Adjusting your thermostat just one or two degrees can reduce the amount of energy required for your system to run and cool the house. This small adjustment can have an impact on your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
5. Schedule a Precision Tune-Up
At H.J. Faust, we do not look for ways to nickel-and-dime you during tune-ups. We find opportunities to boost the energy efficiency of your system as well as solve potential issues before they become catastrophic. To make sure you’re not wasting energy on an inefficient system, schedule annual maintenance appointments with our experts. You can even sign up for our Annual Maintenance Program so that you don’t have to worry about missing an appointment.
6. Replace Your Home HVAC System With a Lennox Whole Home Comfort System
Lennox offers a range of Energy Star certified products designed to enhance energy savings and contribute positively to environmental conservation. Among these, the Lennox SLP99V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace, paired with an S30 thermostat, stands out as a recipient of the 2021 Most Efficient ENERGY STAR® certification. This distinction is awarded to products that achieve exceptionally high levels of energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Setting a new industry standard, this top-of-the-line furnace achieves an impressive efficiency rating of up to 99%, virtually converting every bit of consumed energy directly into heating for the home.
7. Consider Switching to a Reliable Renewable Like Geothermal
A geothermal heat pump is the greenest, most efficient, and most cost-effective heating and cooling system available — that’s because it uses renewable solar energy rather than burning fossil fuels. H.J. Faust is a partner with WaterFurnace, and we can help you switch to the most reliable renewable!
Answers to Your Questions About Eco-Friendly HVAC Systems
What Makes an AC Eco-Friendly?
An eco-friendly air conditioner is designed to minimize environmental impact while providing optimal cooling. Factors that contribute to an AC’s eco-friendliness include energy efficiency, the type of refrigerant used, and its overall design and functionality. Eco-friendly AC units typically boast high-efficiency ratings, use refrigerants with low GWP, and feature advanced technology like programmable thermostats and energy-saving modes.
What Is the Most Environmentally Friendly HVAC System?
The most eco-friendly HVAC systems are those that utilize renewable energy sources, have high energy efficiency, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal heat pumps, for example, are incredibly efficient as they use the Earth’s stable underground temperature to heat and cool homes, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Solar-assisted HVAC systems also stand out, utilizing solar panels to generate electricity to power the system, thereby cutting down on energy consumption and reducing carbon footprint.
Are Zoning Systems Environmentally Friendly?
Yes! Zoning systems enable you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. This means you can avoid heating or cooling rooms that are not in use, which can lead to substantial energy savings.
Why Should I Insulate My Home and Seal Leaks?
Improving your home’s insulation and sealing leaks in windows and doors can prevent loss of heated or cooled air. This step reduces the workload on your HVAC system, thus lowering energy consumption.
What Does ECO Mean on an Air Conditioner, and When Should You Use It?
When activated, the ECO mode adjusts the thermostat setting to a slightly higher temperature during cooling cycles, which decreases the workload on the AC unit and results in energy savings. It’s ideal to use the ECO mode during times when you want to save on energy bills, especially during hours when the cooling demand is not at its peak.
We Can Help You Make Your HVAC Unit More Eco-Friendly
Some of these eco-friendly solutions are simple DIY tasks, but others require a professional touch. If you need help getting more out of your HVAC system while reducing your energy expenses, contact H.J. Faust. We can help you find the best HVAC solution for your home and the planet.
