Heating and cooling account for half of a typical home’s energy usage. When your HVAC system works efficiently, your energy usage reduces and so do your utility bills and carbon footprint. The eco-friendly HVAC practices discussed in this post are simple to implement and make a noticeable difference to your energy consumption.
To learn more about these eco-friendly tips or to discuss your HVAC requirements with the HVAC experts at Galmiche & Sons, contact our St. Louis heating and air conditioning expert today. We help St. Louis, Missouri homeowners make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. Call us at 314-993-1110 or schedule your appointment online.
How To Start Heating and Cooling Your Home More Efficiently
Heat Or Cool Only the Rooms You’re Using
Considering whether you need all the rooms in your home to be warm or cool all the time is the first of our eco-friendly HVAC practices. If you and your family members are away at work or at school for most part of the day, perhaps your HVAC system doesn’t need to be on all day. When the weather is pleasant, you don’t have to keep your HVAC running continuously. Decide your HVAC usage based on seasonal requirements and your lifestyle, and you are sure to spot opportunities for energy savings.
You may also consider upgrading to a zoned HVAC system to ensure only the rooms you are actually using are heated and cooled.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Updating to a smart thermostat is among the eco-friendly HVAC practices we recommend to St. Louis homeowners. You will have to plan for an upfront cost but in the long term you will recoup your investment and start saving money on your energy bills.
A smart thermostat is a thermostat that you can control on your smart phone, via an app, and on smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. You can easily adjust room/home temperature while you are away. A smart thermostat records your energy usage and shares this information with you, helping you identify how you can make small adjustments to conserve energy.
Seal Leaks in Doors, Windows, and Ductwork
Preventing leaks throughout your home is another way to improve energy efficiency. Lock your windows in winter to keep the heat in and cold air out. Use weatherstripping and insulation kits to seal leaks around doors and windows.
Leaky HVAC ducts can account for 20% or more of energy loss. Insulating ductwork is one of the best eco-friendly HVAC practices. If your ductwork is located in the attic, check if it is insulated sufficiently. The summer heat in the attic can make your AC work overtime to cool your home, reducing HVAC efficiency.
Don’t Forget to Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Scheduling summer HVAC maintenance before the season begins means that your air-conditioning unit is likely working efficiently. If you haven’t, book HVAC servicing from Galmiche & Sons. We will clean your AC coils, replace filters (if dirty), check for loose connections, and perform other necessary checks to confirm that all is well with your HVAC units. Additionally, any issues that come to light during service can be repaired quickly.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System
If you have had your HVAC system for ten years or more, consider replacing it. Newer systems are more energy efficient and use less energy. Look for Energy Star products or those having a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Their advanced components improve air quality, increase energy-efficiency, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Contact Galmiche & Sons for More Eco-Friendly HVAC Practices
As St. Louis’s leading experts for all things heating and cooling, we help St. Louis homeowners select energy-efficient HVAC systems and carry out installation. To request a service appointment or get more information on eco-friendly HVAC practices, please call us today at 314-993-1110 or fill our contact form online.
