Energy efficiency and environmental awareness are major topics of discussion in this day and age. And in fact, a rapidly growing number of people in Easton MD are concerned with the environment and spend time thinking of ways to lessen their carbon footprint. The good news is that you can run your air conditioning at a comfortable level and still save money and lessen the impact you make on the environment. This all boils down to the air conditioner you choose, how well you maintain it and the way that you use it. Read on to learn more about some different green ideas for air conditioning in Easton MD.
Buy the Right Size Unit
If your air conditioner is too small, it will waste energy by staying on for long periods of time trying to cool your home. This increases your electric bill and makes your home less comfortable to be in. Another issue with buying air conditioning in Easton MD that is too small to effectively cool your home is that the conditioner will likely be unable to effectively balance the air that is cooled by the condenser with the expended air that is drawn out of the home by the evaporator. If you are having difficulty figuring out which size unit would be best for your home, contact Griffith Air Conditioning and Heating. Our professional technicians will offer advice based on the size and construction of your home.
Choose a Two-Stage or Custom System
People who want the most from their air conditioning in Easton MD often choose units with two-stage compressors because they work more efficiently than units with single compressors. The compressor is one of the hardest-working parts of an air conditioner and is usually the part that uses the most energy. The compressor’s job is to squeeze out vapors that are heated so the refrigerant can return to its regular cooled state. A two-stage compressor will compress less air on cool days and more air on hot days automatically, which saves energy.
An air conditioning system that is customized to your home is another way to get eco-friendly air conditioning in Easton MD. Some custom units use a different source for cooling than they use for heating, which is a great way to achieve energy efficiency. A customized system is a great way to get maximum energy efficiency because every element of the air conditioner is customized for your home, based on your family’s cooling and heating needs as well as the size and construction of your home.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can be installed to work with your current air conditioner or as part of a new air conditioning system in your home. These thermostats are inexpensive and can be installed quickly. You can set the thermostat to accomodate your family’s schedule, with warmer temperatures when nobody is home and cooler temperatures when you need them most. Some thermostats can be set for different days of the week so that the temperature is different on the weekdays when you are out of the house than on the weekends when you are likely to be home. Every temperature change of a few degrees can result in hundreds of dollars in energy savings throughout the course of a year. Another benefit of a programmable thermostat is that it will keep the temperature of your home constant when you are home and you don’t have to remember to change the settings every time you leave the house.
Maintain Your Air Conditioner Regularly
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and avoid repairs. You can change the filters yourself after a technician has shown you how to change them properly. It is recommended that every air conditioner be serviced and inspected at least one time each year by an HVAC professional. Regular maintenance includes checking for leaks, testing the pressure of the refrigerant and other simple tests to ensure the system is functioning properly. The HVAC specialist who inspects your system may recommend any changes you can make to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner. They may also point out necessary repairs that should be made to keep your air conditioning system running smoothly.
Use Your Air Conditioner Efficiently
The amount of energy your air conditioner uses greatly depends on the temperature it is set at and how often you use it. Common sense tips such as keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible will help your air conditioner work efficiently and use less energy. You may also use a ceiling fan in the room you spend the most time in. The ceiling fan will help to circulate the air and help you feel cooler. Try to cook outdoors as much as possible during hot weather so that you aren’t adding excess heat to your home that causes the air conditioner to work harder.
By installing an energy-efficient air conditioner that is the right size for your home, maintaining the air conditioning system properly and avoiding habits that make your air conditioner work harder, your air conditioner will run efficiently and save energy. Talk to an HVAC technician at Griffith Air Conditioning and Heating for more ideas about saving energy and helping the environment.
