How to be Green This Earth Day
This April 22 - Earth Day - keep your home shaded, and cool your home the green and natural way with outdoor foliage. With the right tree in the right place, you can save energy and contribute to the greater awareness of a clean air environment, not to mention financial savings. Trees provide wind protection, shade, and fresh cool air.
Both deciduous and evergreen trees save energy in the summer months by directly cooling the air. Your local conservation authority can help with the positioning and type of tree you are planning for your green earth landscape. Even if you have an air conditioning unit, you can reduce the amount of time you need to use it by shading your home with trees and foliage.
Close Chimney Flue When You’re Not Using It
Leaving a chimney flue open whether or not it is winter or summer, negates the effects of your heating and air conditioning. It is a common misconception in the summer that an open flue will keep the home cooler because warm air rises.
In fact, an open flue in the summer actually forces your A/C to work harder, not smarter. And have your chimney inspected every year to ensure it is working properly. An annual inspection is one way to keep your system green and performing properly.
Switch to LED Bulbs and Energy Saving HVAC Products
One question this Earth Day will be when should homeowners switch to energy saving HVAC heating and air conditioning. If your system doesn’t have an energy efficient rating, it’s time to consider the options of upgrading to more cost effective, energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
These are major decisions, but a knowledgeable plumbing and heating company such as B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C can help you make sense of the performance ratings of HVAC products and help you choose the right ones for your home.
It’s true that switching your incandescent bulbs to LEDs and using solar powered appliances for the little things like laptops, smartphones, outdoor walkway and patio lights all contribute to energy savings in the warm month. But, if you really want to cut your energy usage and help the planet have fewer carbon emissions, find out about the new HVAC systems for your home.
Adjust Your Thermostat Higher or Lower
A little cool this spring? Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable setting, or test the comfortability by reducing it a little each night until the right temperature is set.
Try a new energy efficient thermostat where the pre-setting temperatures can be programmed for maximum efficiency, and live more comfortably.
Switch to Solar Powered Appliances
Earlier we mentioned energy saving products, and solar powered appliances are also a smart, cost-effective way to save money. Solar-powered gadgets are trendy, and can lower your utility bills, and what is better than a clean energy source on Earth Day!
All of these energy saving tips affect our carbon emissions - our so called Carbon Footprint - on our planet. If you would like a home inspection to see how you can be even more energy efficient, contact us.
If you live in the St. Michael, MN area, call B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C at (763)-497-2290 for a free inspection.