You know, it seems like you can hardly turn on news commentary programs these days without being bombarded with gloom and doom scenarios about climate change and the need to reduce our “carbon footprints.” Regardless of how you feel about global warming and the politics surrounding it, it’s always a good idea to reduce energy usage and waste. But we don’t have to return to the days of floor fans and ice blocks to enjoy home comfort responsibly: central air is here to stay, but if you are concerned about the environment you should know that many of today’s models are truly eco-friendly.

How Can You Choose an Eco-Friendly System?

Get the right sized unit to suit your home: When purchasing an air conditioner, you should first obtain a home cooling evaluation from a reputable Utah heating contractor like AnyHour Services. A professional can customize a cooling plan for you by gauging how many areas need to be cooled, the orientation of your house, the number of windows and doors, the amount of insulation in the walls and attic, and so forth. From this data, the technician will be able to recommend the perfect sized unit to fit your needs: this means less energy waste and more efficient cooling!

High efficiency models: Efficiency in air conditioners is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Units sold in the United States must rate at least a 13, and the most efficient units will rate in the low 20′s. For simplicity’s sake, remember this: the higher the SEER number, the more energy-efficient the unit.

ENERGY STAR: In an effort to make eco-friendly appliances easier to identify for the public, the government has implemented the ENERGY STAR program. Air conditioners that meet or exceed minimum EPA requirements for energy efficiency prominently display an ENERGY STAR sticker: it’s just that easy!

You can help too: Getting the right sized air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR sticker is a great first step, but there’s a lot you can do to help keep your system even more eco-friendly: use programmable thermostats; install ceiling fans to help circulate air and reduce air conditioner usage; draw blinds during the hottest part of the day or use heat-busting window film.

You can feel good knowing that air conditioners are more eco-friendly today than ever before. If you’re still using an old inefficient system, contact your Utah ac contractor to find out more about today’s earth-friendly options.

Jul 19th 2013

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