How to Make Your AC More Environmentally Friendly in Wilmington, NC
Earth Day – commemorating the global fight for a clean environment – is coming up on April 22. It is an excellent time to play your part and explore achievable eco-conscious solutions.
Most notably, you can find ways to make home appliances greener, as they are some of the most significant consumers of electricity in your everyday life.
It’s never too late to make your home environmentally friendly, especially as we’re gearing up for the summer heat in Wilmington, NC. Here, Odyssey Mechanical dives into how coastal homeowners can make their HVAC systems more environmentally friendly.
Why Explore Green Solutions For Your AC?
In warm regions like Wilmington, NC, an HVAC system brings great relief amid the heat of summer because it constantly regulates indoor heating and cooling affected by outdoor temperatures. So, there’s no doubt your HVAC unit is the greatest contributor to your overall energy consumption.
Here are some ways you can reduce its workload:
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Use ceiling fans to ease the burden on your AC, especially in warmer months.
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Schedule regular maintenance for both your air conditioner and furnace units.
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Keep curtains open during winter to bring in natural heat. Then, draw your blinds and curtains on hot summer days to keep the sunlight out.
More than that, however, consider switching to environmentally friendly HVAC solutions. Not only will you contribute to cleaner air and a greener world, but today’s eco-friendly heating and air conditioning units are also more cost-efficient. They are designed to minimize environmental effects and keep your energy bills minimal.
If you plan to replace your existing air conditioner — especially if it’s at least ten years old — look for a model with an Energy Star certification. This ensures that the model follows the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency and, consequently, has a more positive impact on the environment.
How Can You Make the AC More Eco-friendly?
There are many ways to make your AC system more environmentally friendly. Some of the most common methods include replacing old models with more eco-friendly models, scheduling routine system maintenance, and reducing your household’s reliance on the unit by using fans, drawing curtains, sealing air ducts, and maintaining good insulation.
Apart from the options mentioned above that most homeowners already practice, here are more ways to make your existing air conditioning unit more environmentally friendly.
1. Adjust the Thermostat Based on Outdoor Temperature
This isn’t to say that you should match the AC thermostat with the outdoor temperature — doing this would defeat the purpose of using the AC unit in the first place.
However, the closer you keep the inside temperature to the outside temperature, the more electricity you will save. If you can comfortably manage a temperature one or two degrees higher, you’ll be surprised at the difference it makes.
2. Apply Window Tints and Use Appropriate Curtains
Window tint films are one of the most reliable tools to reduce the harsh sunlight that filters through your windows and heats your indoor space during the summer. These films diffuse sunbeams and reduce heat — all without electricity.
Additionally, you can hang up filmy curtains so soft natural light can filter through the windows without being too hot. Alternatively, if you don’t mind blocking the entire outdoor view from your window, you may opt for opaque blinds or curtains that can block sunlight entirely.
3. Ensure All Doors and Window Panes are Sealed
Damaged doors and window panes are among the greatest enemies of energy efficiency. Warm outdoor air seeps through the cracks and adds an unnecessary challenge to your air conditioning unit’s efforts to keep the indoor space cool and comfortable.
So, as summer draws near, ensure your doors and windows don’t have cracks or damage. Otherwise, seal them immediately or replace them as soon as possible.
4. Host Summer Cook-outs in the Backyard
Summer cookouts are one of the best activities you can plan for family or friends. They are also a fun and eco-friendly way of maintaining cool indoor temperatures and reducing indoor heat buildup that occurs when you cook inside and strains your HVAC.
5. Keep Your HVAC System in Top Condition
Ultimately, if you want to make your AC more environmentally friendly, you must ensure it is functioning properly. A broken or iced-over air conditioner will require more power, resulting in a higher energy bill.
That’s why it’s so important for you to contact your local HVAC specialist for routine maintenance and repair of your AC unit.
Schedule AC Services with Odyssey Mechanical
Odyssey Mechanical LLC offers a wide range of home technician services, including HVAC, gas, plumbing, and electrical services. We provide environmentally conscious solutions that will prepare you for the Wilmington, NC, summer heat.
Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for residential HVAC and AC repair!
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