The hot and humid summers in the Southeast make air conditioning a primary need for homeowners. Due to the prolonged periods of cooling required to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, residents deal with increased energy consumption and electricity bills during summer. Even in areas where winters are mild, heating may still be used when temperatures drop.
People are growing more aware of energy efficiency and climate change concerns. That’s why homeowners are looking into more sustainable systems and practices that are kinder to the environment and save energy, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Making HVAC more sustainable sometimes includes only simple actions. We’ll also discuss changes the HVAC industry has implemented to create more sustainable technology.
Understanding HVAC Systems
HVAC systems help maintain indoor comfort levels by regulating temperature, humidity and air quality inside buildings. It does this by taking in air, cooling or heating that air, and then blowing it into an indoor space. These systems generally have three major elements:
Heating unit: During colder months, the heating component of an HVAC system warms the air using furnaces, heat pumps or boilers. The heated air is typically distributed throughout the building via ductwork or radiators.
Cooling unit: In warmer months, an HVAC system’s cooling component — or air conditioner (AC) unit — removes heat from indoor air using refrigerants. The cooled air is then circulated back into the building to lower the temperature and reduce humidity.
Ducts for air movement: Circulating fresh air within an area removes stale air, odors and pollutants. Ventilation helps maintain indoor air quality and prevents the buildup of harmful contaminants.
Common components of HVAC systems include:
Thermostat: Typically installed on walls for easy access and programming, thermostats help regulate home temperatures and activate the HVAC system when needed. Some thermostats come with timers and switch on at specific times.
Furnace: Mainly located in the garage, attic or basement, the furnace contains a blower and heat exchanger to heat the home. It may use fossil fuel sources or natural gas.
Air conditioner: The main unit is outside the home. The AC removes heat from the inside using refrigerant and circulates it between the indoor and outdoor coils. A condenser coil or compressor removes heat from the refrigerant.
Heat pump: A heat pump operates similarly to an AC but with a reversing valve for heating, so it has a dual function for heating and cooling homes.
Air handler: Air handlers work with ACs or heat pumps. They contain coils that provide warm or cool air and use a blower to circulate the air through the ductwork.
Air ducts and vents: The ductwork of an HVAC system transports hot and cold air throughout the house.
The Most Eco-Friendly HVAC Systems and Technologies
HVAC systems provide comfortable and safe indoor air quality. However, older units have a significant environmental impact due to the use of refrigerants and account for up to 60% of energy usage in buildings. Additionally, poorly maintained HVAC systems can lead to indoor air pollution or a buildup of pollutants and allergens.
Investing in energy-efficient HVAC technologies helps mitigate these environmental impacts. The most eco-friendly HVAC systems often contain the following improvements:
Geothermal heat pumps: These systems use the ground’s stable temperature to heat and cool homes.
Solar-powered systems: Solar-powered HVAC systems harness energy from the sun to provide heating, cooling and electricity for homes while lowering utility bills and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Smart thermostats: With these thermostats, you can optimize your temperature settings based on occupancy patterns and preferences.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF): VRF systems adjust refrigerant flow based on specific heating and cooling needs.
Efficient ACs and heat pumps: Energy-efficient models with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) consume less electricity.
Heat recovery ventilation (HRV): HRV systems recover heat from outgoing air to preheat incoming fresh air, reducing energy waste while improving indoor air quality.
These technologies reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower our reliance on fossil fuels and minimize energy usage compared to older HVAC systems.
Energy Efficiency: Tips for Homeowners
Installing newer HVAC models is the best way to make your energy efficiency at home more sustainable. However, modifying existing HVAC systems and implementing other efficiency measures around the house could also benefit your energy-saving efforts.
Improving Energy Efficiency With an Existing HVAC System
Depending on your system and how old it is, you can make the following modifications to improve the energy efficiency of your existing HVAC system without replacing every component:
Set optimal temperatures: For the most energy efficiency and lowest energy cost, set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter.
Maintain regularly: Regular or preventive maintenance can help to keep your system’s components in optimum condition and ensure it continues to work efficiently. Regular maintenance includes inspections, cleanings and lubrication.
Repair duct leakage: Ductwork tends to be responsible for significant energy waste in HVAC systems and could compromise indoor air quality.
Modify fan: Select an appropriate size and shape of fan sheaves to optimize airflow.
Change filters: Using improved filters or filter slots can improve airflow and avoid premature wear and tear on HVAC systems.
Other Ways to Cool and Heat Your Home More Efficiently
Improving your home’s cooling and heating efficiency can lower the energy usage of an overworking HVAC system and save money in the long run. Here are additional ways to cool and heat your home:
Ceiling fans: Use a ceiling fan to distribute cooled air or heat around the room.
Open vents: Open vents without obstructions only in rooms you use frequently to distribute cool air or heat.
Improve insulation: Improve insulation in walls and floors to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Seal drafts: Seal gaps around windows, doors and vents to prevent air leaks and maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Install solar panels: Consider installing solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce your reliance on grid electricity.
Upgrade windows: Open windows to cool the house in mild weather or upgrade to energy-efficient windows with insulation to minimize heat transfer.
Plant trees: Plant trees strategically around the house for shade in summer and windbreaks in winter.
Make Your HVAC More Sustainable With Strada Air Conditioning & Heating
Making your HVAC more sustainable helps reduce your environmental impact and energy costs. By upgrading your system or optimizing it for better performance, you can cool or heat your home more efficiently. We recommend you hire a professional to ensure your system and components are installed correctly.
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating will make your home HVAC system work at its best, saving you money and providing comfort for you and your family year-round. Our HVAC services include repairs, maintenance and installation of air conditioners and heat pumps.
If you’re based in Florida or surrounding areas and want to schedule an appointment, get in touch with our team or call us at (860) 200-2854. Let’s take you toward a more sustainable climate control system for your home.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers.
At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed.
In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers.
At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed.
In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
