Living in San Antonio, TX makes it imperative for you to have a fully functional HVAC system. After all, when the average temperature rises to 96 degrees and above, you do not want to sit in your house without AC. But how can you balance your HVAC needs with your desire to be more environmentally friendly? Your HVAC unit represents a huge part of your carbon footprint, but there really isn’t a way to safely live without it. Fortunately, MD Air Conditioning & Heating is here to tell you about your various options for ensuring your HVAC system is the most eco-friendly it can be!
Determine the Correct Size
Did you know that something as simple as making sure you purchase the right size HVAC system for your home can greatly affect your environmental impact? If you buy one that is too big, it will cycle on and off quite frequently, which is a recipe for environmental disaster. On the other hand, if you purchase an HVAC system that is too small, it won’t be effective enough to keep your indoor air temperature comfortable.
When you work with us for your HVAC installation, we’ll make sure you have the right size unit. We will consider the climate, your home’s square footage, the quality of your insulation, how many and what size windows, the number of occupants, and more to help determine the proper unit.
Figure Out Your Home’s Energy Efficiency Level
Getting an energy audit on your house can help you determine where to make simple improvements to receive big gains. An energy audit aims to check the condition of your windows, insulation levels, and air sealing to minimize energy loss.
Get to Know Different Systems and Their Benefits
There are tons of different HVAC systems available, and each one focuses on different things. Therefore, you need to get to know various systems so you can choose the one that is most environmentally sound.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat is an easy way to save a lot of energy every month. These devices are programmable, so they can automatically adjust temperatures when no one is home or everyone is asleep. Some devices can detect when and where people are in the house and adjust temperatures accordingly.
Look for Incentives and Rebates
Texas has the HOMES program, which may qualify you to get up to 30% back if you buy an environmentally friendly heat pump. You can also take advantage of several more programs, including the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA) and federal tax credits.
Learn How to Read Efficiency Ratings
There are three different efficiency ratings available to help you make smart decisions:
- SEER for cooling systems
- AFUE for furnaces
- ENERGY STAR certifications
SEER ratings range from eight to 21+. The higher the rating, the more efficient your system will be.
Make Features a Priority
Figure out what features mean the most to you, and then be sure you purchase an HVAC system that includes them. Features such as variable-speed motors and 2-stage furnaces can significantly reduce your home’s energy use.
Evaluate the Cost vs Your Long-Term Savings
No matter what you do, a high-efficiency HVAC unit will cost more than a system that’s not concerned about protecting the environment. However, you’ll quickly see that choosing a high-efficiency unit is the better deal once you look at the long-term cost of maintaining both systems.
Invest in Regular Maintenance
Even if you purchase an environmentally friendly unit, it still needs to be serviced at least annually to maintain its efficiency. During a tune-up, technicians will clean and lubricate all the parts, check the thermostat, and more. All of these tasks help the system run smoother, which saves energy and maintains the longevity of the equipment.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
Even the best high-efficiency AC won’t save energy if your house is drafty or under-insulated. Insulation can degrade over time, especially if it’s exposed to moisture. You’ll want to assess your home’s insulation and upgrade it if necessary.
Should I Switch to a Heat Pump?
San Antonio area residents can save a lot of money in the long run by switching to a heat pump. However, there are some things you need to verify before you make the switch. If you’ve got a historic house, make sure there aren’t any restrictions on the type of HVAC system you can install. It would be a real shame to decide that a heat pump is your best option, only to discover you’re not able to have one installed.
Choose a Certified HVAC Installer in San Antonio
Once you’ve made your decision, it’s time to reach out to a professional installer. MD Air Conditioning & Heating will provide a free quote on anything you’d like, including AC, heating, indoor air quality, and commercial HVAC installation. All our lead technicians have a minimum of 16 years of experience, and your project will be covered by our 100% satisfaction guarantee!
When you are ready to upgrade your home’s HVAC system to one that is more environmentally sound, reach out to MD Air Conditioning & Heating.
Tags: AC Maintenance, AC tune up