Resources > Green Living > Going green tips for air conditioning
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Going Green Tips for Air Conditioning
Don’t worry, going green does not mean that you have to suffer through a hot and humid summer with no air conditioning. However, if you’re making a serious commitment to green living, you will definitely want to take a look at your cooling system because that’s what uses the most electricity in your home.
The following are some simple steps you can take to make a significant reduction in your carbon footprint and save money at the same time.
Keep your home cool.
• Landscape with lots of shade.
• If you replace your roof, use a light-colored material to reflect heat.
• Install a radiant barrier in your attic.
• Insulate your house to recommended levels or more. Seal air leaks.
• Close all windows and exterior doors on hot days.
• To block out sunlight and radiated heat, close window shades or window treatments.
• Ventilate properly – in the attic and in the house. Install ceiling fans and be sure they are blowing down to send air past your body.
• Close registers (and doors into) unused rooms.
• Avoid using the oven on hot days. Use stovetop, microwave or outdoor grill.
• Avoid activities that generate a lot of heat: using computers, using appliances and entertainment systems, burning open flames.
• Program your thermostat. Set it at no higher than 78 degrees when home, 85 when away. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when replacing your thermostat.
• Tune up your system. Consider an ARS/Rescue Rooter Home Service Plan.
• Replace your old equipment with new air conditioning that operates more efficiently and also uses new refrigerants that are not ozone-depleting. Ask about zoning your home to further increase efficiency.
• Make sure your contractor recovers and reclaims R-22 Freon from units they are repairing or replacing.
• Replace air filters every two months during high use periods and no less than four times per year. Make sure you are using HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters which will assure you the cleanest air for your family.
Contact ARS/Rescue Rooter® to schedule a no-cost analysis of the efficiency and condition of your air conditioning system and to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs.
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