It is possible that air conditioning eats up a massive chunk of your energy bills. It’s one of the main reasons why many American homeowners are looking for creative ways of saving money on heating, cooling, and refrigerant systems. Implementing energy-efficient technology lets you heat for less and limits your carbon footprint.
If you need reliable HVAC contractors, come to 3H AC, and we’ll help you explore the available green HVAC options.
Going Greener & Increasing Energy Efficiency
The global transition to clean energy use experienced a massive blow in 2018 when Americans hit the highest-ever recorded energy consumption in 70 years. But many Americans agree that renewable energy technologies should be prioritized following rising concerns over global warming and the carbon footprint. We are also increasingly aware of the adverse health effects caused by burning fossil fuels.
Unfortunately, our renewable energy production is still a mere drop in the ocean despite increased efforts to cut reliance on fossil fuels. Only about one-third of the total energy production comes from renewable sources. But here’s what you could do with your heating and ventilation systems to reverse the effects:
What Does Green Really Mean?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green power sources as those that provide the highest environmental benefits like:
- Greenhouse gas reduction
- Reduced air pollution
Qualifying sources of renewable energy include:
- Wind power
- Solar energy
- Geothermal power
- Biomass
- Low-impact small hydropower
- Landfill gas
Energy-efficient electronics and HVAC systems are embedded into the green practice movement to promote environmental sustainability. Green practices include purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment made from repurposed materials using low-emission processes.
The ideal green HVAC system should control all or a combination of the following criteria:
- Affordable or within your budget
- Easily accessible and locally available
- Energy-efficient, leading to a significant reduction in your energy costs
- Provide tax rebates and incentives for a more affordable installation experience
Some technologies are still in the development stage, but here’s what you could get for energy efficient HVAC systems:
Ductless Heating and Cooling Pumps
Ductless heat pumps are an excellent solution for homeowners who lack existing HVAC ductwork or who have an inefficient system. They are also ideal for homeowners who have added new rooms or extensions to their homes, as they provide customizable heating and cooling options that can be tailored to each individual room. The installation process for a ductless heating and cooling pump is straightforward and does not require significant construction work or duct installation.
The system comprises an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor unit that are connected via a small, thin pipe. The indoor unit contains heat exchange coils, which move warm air from the room and into the exterior during summer months, while in winter, the heat pump draws air from outside and pumps it into the home, creating a comfortable indoor environment.
One of the most significant benefits of ductless heating and cooling pumps is their energy efficiency, which can result in significant energy savings for homeowners. Since ductless systems do not require ductwork, which can be a significant source of energy loss, they are more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Additionally, ductless units are visually appealing and can enhance the overall look of your home, unlike traditional ducted HVAC units, which can be unsightly and take up valuable space. In summary, ductless heating and cooling pumps are a practical, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their HVAC systems.
Solar Heaters
Solar furnaces are an innovative and eco-friendly way to generate high amounts of heat without burning fuels. These furnaces work by using mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a small area, creating a concentrated beam of heat. While solar furnaces are primarily designed for industrial and research purposes, some homeowners may be interested in their potential as an energy-efficient heating source. The use of solar technology for residential heating has become increasingly popular, and solar heaters are an excellent example of this.
Residential solar heaters are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat homes, providing hot water and even space heating without the use of traditional fuel sources. These heaters work by using solar collectors to absorb and convert sunlight into heat, which is then transferred to the home’s hot water tank or radiant heating system.
Solar heaters can be used in all climates and are especially useful in sunny regions where there is an abundance of solar energy. They require very little maintenance and can significantly reduce energy bills, making them a sound investment for homeowners. With advancements in solar technology, solar heaters are becoming more efficient, affordable, and accessible, making them a viable option for residential heating.
Quiet-Duct Wrap
Quiet duct wrap is a type of insulation material designed to wrap around HVAC ductwork to reduce noise transmission. HVAC systems can be noisy, and the sound can easily travel through the ductwork and into other areas of the home. One side of the blanket has a pure aluminum barrier for heat reflection and protection against moisture, air currents, and vapors, while the other side is usually made from recycled cotton and carries a Class-A fire rating. The quiet wrap also reduces heat gain or loss when wrapped around your HVAC ductwork. It is an ideal solution for homeowners who want to enjoy a peaceful and quiet living space.
In addition to reducing noise, quiet duct wrap also helps to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain in the ductwork. HVAC systems that are not properly insulated can lose some of their heating or cooling output due to leaks and uninsulated ductwork. This can result in higher energy consumption and costs for homeowners. By wrapping ductwork with quiet duct wrap, the heat loss or gain is reduced, resulting in improved energy efficiency and lower energy bills. Quiet duct wrap is a cost-effective solution for reducing noise and improving energy efficiency in the home, making it a valuable investment for homeowners.
Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is a type of heating system that uses tubing or electric heating elements installed beneath the floor to radiate heat upwards, warming the room from the ground up. This type of heating is highly efficient because it does not rely on air circulation to distribute heat, thus reducing heat loss and improving indoor air quality. Additionally, radiant floor heating can be used in conjunction with various heat sources, including solar, geothermal, or waste heat recovery systems, making it a highly versatile option for homeowners.
One of the key benefits of radiant floor heating is its ability to make the home more energy efficient. Because the heat is radiated from the floor, it warms the room evenly and avoids the temperature stratification that can occur with traditional heating systems. As a result, the thermostat can be set lower, saving energy and reducing heating costs. Additionally, because radiant floor heating does not rely on air circulation, it can improve indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of dust and other airborne particles. Radiant floor heating is also a long-lasting solution, with a lifespan of up to 45 years, and requires very little maintenance, making it a sound investment for homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)
Renewable energy certificates are traded instruments that provide economic incentives for eco-friendly energy generation and consumption. They are market-driven energy support schemes meant to speed up the country’s transition to green energy sources. RECs place a saleable value on the production of green energy, allowing producers to sell the energy and the related certificate.
If you’re not willing to invest in green energy production, you can buy it from a green energy producer, even if they’re not from your state. Because there’s no other way to track it on the grid, a REC acts as an accounting system, making it easy to verify renewable energy generation. Each certificate represents one megawatt-hour of electricity produced, and it is canceled in the system once you claim consumption.
Solar Electricity Panels
The amount of solar energy that continuously strikes the earth is greater than what we consume each day by 10,000 times. And it would take billions of years for it to get depleted. Solar power reduces our reliance on greenhouse-gas-producing energy sources by converting sunlight into usable electricity.
Electrical solar panel installation costs have dropped significantly, with federal and state governments offering tax credits on installed systems. For example, you might be eligible for a 22% investment tax credit if you installed your solar PV system between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s ac system from a mobile application. Many of them can be controlled using compatible applications like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You could turn on the heat in your home or office while you’re halfway across the world.
Smart thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperature settings based on your schedule, the current weather, or the number of occupants at home. Others employ temperature and proximity sensors to determine the heating and cooling needs for different parts of the property. The self-regulation and energy-saving ability can save you close to 10% on annual heating and cooling costs.
Build Your Energy-Efficient HVAC System With 3H AC
Green HVAC systems continue to experience a surge in demand owing to their many benefits. Many people are retrofitting their homes with modernized air conditioning units to control the rising energy costs and comply with environmental regulations. Contact 3H AC to explore energy-efficient HVAC solutions that fit your property and enjoy a hassle-free installation.