Eco-Friendly Air Conditioning Tips
September 20, 2023
11 ECO-FRIENDLY AIR CONDITIONING TIPS
Using eco-friendly ways to cool your home is a great way to reduce the environmental impact stemming from your everyday energy use. But, making a substantial investment like a modern, energy-efficient air conditioner doesn’t have to mean it’s less effective at cooling your home.
Today’s eco-friendly air conditioners are capable of cooling your home while consuming less energy. When you add to this the positive impact of other energy-efficient changes to your home—or lifestyle—you’ll find it possible to save money on energy costs in the process.
In this article, we discuss 11 eco-friendly air conditioning tips you can take advantage of to stay comfortable through hot summer days without wasting energy—or money.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MAKING YOUR AC MORE EFFICIENT?
It might seem obvious that helping your AC run more efficiently is a good thing, but in addition to better performance and lower energy bills, making your AC more efficient also helps it last longer, leads to fewer repairs, and can improve your indoor air quality.
WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT USING MORE ECO-FRIENDLY AIR CONDITIONING?
Being environmentally conscious is a cornerstone in today’s society. From the cars we drive to the way local food is sourced, people take the impact of every choice to heart. So, when it comes to a major home decision that impacts our quality of life, it only makes sense that people care about how to make air conditioning more sustainable and not just more cost-effective.
Efficient AC systems:
- Release less waste heat
- Conserve natural resources
- Reduce air pollution
- Align with green building initiatives
- Promote awareness for energy conservation
Keeping your air cool while reducing your AC’s negative environmental impact is a win-win that everyone can appreciate.
COOLING TIPS THAT WORK
The following tips cover a wide range of actions you can take that will all make a noticeable difference. Some steps are easy and inexpensive for any homeowner to accomplish, and others are more expensive decisions that lead to long-term returns on your investment.
1. AIR SEAL YOUR HOME
Air sealing means eliminating air exchange between your home and the air outside. By maintaining an enclosed indoor environment, you will keep your air conditioner from doing more work than is necessary to keep your home cool.
Although some ventilation is needed for good indoor air quality, the ventilation provided by your home’s roof ventilation system should be sufficient.
2. INSTALL STORM WINDOWS
If you only have single-pane windows, installing interior or exterior storm windows certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) can reduce air movement in and out of your existing windows and reduce solar heat that enters your home.
3. USE WINDOW COVERINGS
Around 76% of sunlight falling on standard double-pane windows becomes heat inside your home. Energy-efficient window attachments help reduce this solar heat gain through your windows. Look for products certified with the AERC for the most effective heat reduction.
Window coverings like shades, blinds, screens, curtains, or drapes are one of the simplest—yet most effective—ways to get the most from your air conditioning system. For even more efficiency, you can consider adding external treatments like awnings or outside solar window screens as well.
4.CLEAN OR REPLACE AIR FILTERS
Checking your air filter regularly is something easy that every homeowner can do to make a notable difference in their AC’s performance. Some air filters may need to be replaced while others can be cleaned periodically and reused.
It’s not just about getting rid of dust. Cleaning your air filter improves the airflow for your AC unit. When filters are blocked or clogged, an AC has to work harder to draw air, which uses more electricity, costs you more money, and is ultimately less effective in cooling your home.
Want help with your air filters but need more than just the basics? Call Columbus Worthington Air and ask about our pro maintenance plan.
5. UPGRADE YOUR INSULATION
Your home’s insulation plays a huge role in your AC unit’s efficiency. In addition to the insulation in your walls, ensuring your windows, doors, attic, and even your ductwork are all properly insulated helps reduce the load placed on your AC. It won’t have to run as hard or stay on as long to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home with all of these well-insulated.
If you’re looking at upgrading the insulation in your walls and ceiling as well, there are numerous environmentally friendly insulation choices made from sustainable or recycled materials.
6. MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT TEMPERATURE
Maintaining a consistent temperature inside your home requires less effort from your air conditioner to stay comfortable.
Early in the cooling season or on milder days, avoid letting your home get too stiflingly hot before you opt to turn on your air conditioner—the higher the temperature inside, the more your air conditioner must work to lower it.
Additionally, it takes more energy for your air conditioner to start up than it does for the unit to keep running. The smaller the difference between your current indoor air temperature and the temperature you want, the easier it is for your air conditioner to cool your home using the least amount of energy possible.
7. INSTALL A TWO-STAGE AC SYSTEM
When it’s time to replace your older air conditioner, opt for a two-stage system. Single-stage AC systems run at only one speed, often providing much more cooling than you need and increasing the energy costs of cooling your home.
By contrast, a two-stage system utilizes a two-speed compressor capable of adjusting to your cooling needs. Most two-stage systems run at the lower of two speeds up to 80% of the time. When extra cooling is needed, it switches to greater speed instantly.
This adaptability will reduce the overall energy consumed by your air conditioner, while still delivering exactly the amount of cooling you need for maximum comfort.
8. CONSIDER A DUCTLESS SYSTEM
If your home or apartment doesn’t have any ductwork, you might think inefficient window units are your only option. Ductless mini-split systems are a great high-efficiency alternative. These systems consist of an outdoor unit and up to three wall-mounted indoor units. HVAC professionals will help determine the best strategic placement of units in zones throughout your home.
A ductless system is a great solution. You won’t have to deal with extensive construction to install ducts, and you can adjust the temperature for each zone individually, saving on the energy used if areas of your home aren’t in use.
9. CONSIDER MAKING THE SWITCH TO SOLAR POWER
If your home is well insulated, you have a great AC system and take care of all the maintenance to keep your HVAC running at its best, there’s still another big step you can take to be more eco-friendly: Change to solar-powered electricity.
You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort during the hot summer months to improve your home’s sustainability. Solar power not only shifts your dependency on electricity over to solar panels. It will reduce your dependence on finite natural resources, help prevent air pollution, and even help protect the electrical grid’s resilience.
10. LIMIT YOUR USE OF MAJOR APPLIANCES
Most people aren’t even aware that major appliances like dishwashers, washers, dryers, and household electronics all give off heat when running. If you limit their use to the evening when it’s cooler, you can reduce the length of time your AC is running during the hottest time of day.
11. HAVE AC EXPERTS PROVIDE REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Professional heating and air companies like Columbus Worthington Air often provide year-round maintenance programs for a low monthly rate. This will make sure your AC system is running optimally and all parts are operating at the best performance standard.
Find out what’s included in our plans: 614-405-7819
If you are experiencing any of the following issues, get a professional to come diagnose and repair the problem right away:
- Thermostat stopped working
- The air isn’t cooling enough
- No cool air at all
- Some rooms cool more than others
- Spike in energy bills
- Strange noises coming from the AC unit
- Smells like chemicals or something running hot
Get in touch with a Columbus, OH HVAC professional at the first sign of any of these issues.
TALK TO YOUR ECO-FRIENDLY HVAC FRIENDS TODAY
As you can see, there’s a lot you can do to lower your bills and put a smile on the planet at the same time. But, that also means you’ve got a few options to choose between.
We invite you to take a look through our website to learn more about our cooling products and services or click your way through our blog for even more home cooling and energy savings tips.
If you’re ready to make the change to an eco-friendly air conditioning solution but aren’t sure the best way to go, we love helping people think through the right solution. Your Columbus HVAC expert can help you determine the best way to keep your home cool and eco-friendly this summer.
Give Columbus Worthington Air a call at 614-405-7819 today!