When it comes to the environment, your HVAC system has a huge impact. It is up to you to take steps to ensure that it is as green as possible, reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your energy costs. In our previous blog, we began going over eco-friendly air conditioning tips. In this blog, we will continue the list.

Keep Your Fridge Full

Need an excuse to buy that extra case of soda? Here it is! A full fridge is more energy efficient. While your fridge may keep food cool inside, as a major appliance, it generates more heat in your home than you think, making the air conditioner work overtime. When a fridge is full, however, it does not have to work as hard to keep food at the right temperature, reducing the amount of energy your refrigerator uses. Keep your fridge stocked to reduce your energy consumption.

Install Awnings

Curtains and blinds are great ways to reduce the amount of sun that gets into your house from the inside. Awnings offer the same benefits from the outside of your home. It is estimated that awnings reduce the solar heat that enters your home by as much as 77 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Alternatively, you could install reflective film on your windows. Reflective film includes metal that reflects solar heat, which has an effect that is comparable to awnings. This makes film a great option if you are interested in the benefits of awnings, but don’t like the aesthetic of them.

Perform Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

Unsurprisingly, there are many ways to can make your air conditioning more environmentally friendly by giving your AC unit some attention.

Keep your air filter clean. If your air filter is dirty, it is more difficult for air to come through your unit, which means your air conditioner has to work twice as hard to keep you cool. In the summertime, it is best to clean or replace your filter every month to keep your AC running optimally.
Contact Buckhorn Heating and Air for maintenance. There are many reasons why you want to keep your air conditioner well-maintained, including to ensure that you get the most longevity out of it as possible and to save money on costly repairs down the road. Additionally, a well-maintained air conditioner is an environmentally friendly one. Make sure your air conditioner is as green as possible by calling us for AC maintenance in Loveland and the surrounding areas.
Up the thermostat. You may not realize it, but you might have an unrealistic idea of how low your thermostat needs to be in order to keep you and your family comfortable. This is particularly true if you have performed any of the steps listed above to make your AC unit more eco-friendly. Try turning your thermostat up a couple of degrees, and even more so before you leave your home.
Install a programmable thermostat. Even better is to install a programmable thermostat so you don’t have to put extra thought into setting your thermostat properly. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust your temperature at certain times of day so you don’t even need to think about it.

At Buckhorn Heating and Air, we are dedicated to providing the Loveland area with the air conditioning services they need. Whether you need AC maintenance, repair, or installation, contact us today for a consultation!