Can Your HVAC Help Lower Your Carbon Footprint?

What is your HVAC system designed for?

For most, they assume the HVAC system is designed for comfort. It provides heat in the winter, cool air in the summer, and keeps you comfortable every month of the year.

That’s a starting point. But HVAC systems have an additional purpose as well. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s designed to keep you warm and cool, depending on the weather outside. It’s also designed to keep your air supply healthy to ensure all building occupants feel their best and aren’t impacted by unhealthy air.

If the HVAC system is working optimally, it can add to the sustainability of the building itself. Today’s HVAC systems are designed to be as green as possible, using only the energy needed to supply properly heated and cooled air. That’s also determined by upkeep, and how well you’re caring for the equipment throughout the year.

It starts with the equipment

The older your equipment is, the less likely it is to run efficiently. Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. The average American is responsible for 16 tons – one of the highest numbers in the world. Scientists report that in order to lessen the likelihood of global temperatures rising, that number needs to drop under two tons by 2050.

That means we all have to make choices with how we live our lives.

A great place to start is by investing in new equipment. Equipment that is even just a few years old can have efficiencies in the 50 to 70 percent range. By buying high efficiency equipment, you can raise that to as much as 98.5 percent efficiency. That means more of your conditioned air stays where it’s supposed to, creating a home that’s the proper temperature without allowing leaks to the outside.

Proper maintenance

You should also pay attention to what your home needs throughout the year. Changing out the air filter is only the beginning. You should also pay attention to how efficient your home is.

The ventilation systems snakes throughout your home, behind walls, up into the attic, and down into the basement. If ductwork isn’t properly insulated or has holes or leaks, it allows conditioned air to flow where it shouldn’t be. Plugging these holes not only help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also creates a more comfortable home. It also results in lower utility bills overall.

While you might not be able to see these leaks with the naked eye, it’s something an HVAC technician is trained to find. Invest in regular maintenance visits before the start of each season to determine just how well your equipment is operating.

It’s the best chance you have of creating equipment that works as well as possible, while ensuring it’s working as efficiently as possible.