Greenifying your home heating and cooling system can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy bills. When you’re making home updates, evaluating your energy consumption should be at the top of your list. Here are a few methods to try that can help greenify your heating and cooling system at home.
Addressing Household Leaks for Water Conservation
Leaky pipes, shower heads, toilets, and faucets waste a lot of water. EPA says that 10% of homes have leaks that result in 90 gallons of waste or more daily, with the average household leaks accounting for over 10,000 gallons of waste wasted each year, which translates to the amount of water required to clean 270 loads of laundry. Inspect your home to identify leaky pipes and get them fixed immediately.
Switch to Sustainable Home Heating and Cooling
Using low-carbon HVAC equipment is an effective way to reduce your carbon emissions. The heat pump is one of the best options for low-carbon heating and cooling. According to the International Energy Agency, almost 180 million heat pumps were used for heating in 2020. Unlike conventional heating and cooling systems, a heat pump doesn’t burn fossil fuels to generate heat; instead, it transfers heat from one location to another. In the colder months, your heat pump absorbs heat from the outside and relocates it inside your home.
During the summer, the pump works in the opposite direction, moving the heat from inside your home to release it outside, effectively cooling your indoor air. Other alternative energy HVAC options, such as geothermal and solar-powered options, exist in various parts of the country. As these technologies continue to develop, they offer additional sustainable HVAC possibilities.
However, it’s not just about the HVAC system itself. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Thus, investing in additional insulation, energy-efficient windows, and window coverings can help reduce energy consumption further.
Another option to reduce your carbon footprint is to use propane for space heating, water heating, cooking, and drying clothes. According to Parker Gas, direct use of propane reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. Propane is also a clean-burning fuel, and modern propane heating systems are highly efficient.
Consider investing in programmable thermostats or smart technology to maximize energy efficiency and minimize consumption. These technologies allow you to turn on your HVAC system at home or target the rooms you currently use. They can also turn off your system when you’re away or not using particular rooms, saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint.
Incorporate Solar Power for Sustainability
Incorporating solar power as an option for greenifying your home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy bills. While the initial investment in solar panel installation may seem prohibitive, it can be cost-effective in the long run, especially if you plan on living in your home for a long time.
As governments recognize the benefits of solar energy, you can leverage the available rebates, tax credits, and refunds to help reduce the cost of solar panels.
Solar power eliminates the need to rely on traditional sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. By incorporating solar energy as an option, you can help greenify your home heating and cooling system and promote a more sustainable future.
Try Eco-Friendly Accessories for Energy Reduction
While switching up your system is important, don’t forget the little things! Traditional light bulbs consume high amount of energy and require frequent replacement, which is costly and contributes to environmental pollution. By shifting to eco-friendly lightings, such as LEDs, dimmable lights, and smart bulbs, you can enjoy long-lasting lighting that doesn’t need to be replaced as often.
Making home updates to greenify your home means reducing your carbon footprint and energy consumption while saving money on utility bills. By making these steps, you contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
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