7 Ways To Lower Your Carbon Footprint
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carbon pollution has increased four percent over the last two decades. Some of the human activities that contribute to personal carbon footprint include everyday activities such as burning fossil fuel, driving a car, using electricity and disposing of waste. The problem is carbon pollution causes problems such as adverse weather due to climate change and even worse, problems such as drought and famine. With that in mind, here are seven ways to lower your carbon footprint.
Programmable Thermostat
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If your home often sits unoccupied for extended periods, you should invest in either a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to preprogram your HVAC system run-time. A smart thermostat is capable of computing when to turn on the HVAC system by itself. To do this, a smart thermostat has to get the weather forecast from the Internet. It requires a wireless Internet connection to work. With that in mind, both devices would allow you to control your HVAC run time automatically even when you are away from home. By doing so, you would be able to lower your energy consumption, cut your energy bills, and lower your carbon footprint. For instance, adjusting your thermostat down by a single degree could cut your energy bills by 3%, says the DOE. Similarly, you should adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer.
Shun Packaged Drinks
Packaged drinks, especially those packaged in plastic containers, such as bottled water, contribute to global warming in several ways. For starters, the plastic packaging material is made from environmentally unfriendly petrochemicals. Secondly, the process of transporting these products from the factory involves the use of trucks or other vehicles. This transportation methods emit carbon dioxide and therefore increase the carbon footprint. You can use a reusable water bottle instead.
Ductless AC
A ductless AC helps to reduce carbon pollution in several ways.
Firstly, its small size and zoning capabilities enhance its energy efficiency. They can be installed just about anywhere. Secondly, ductless systems use R104 refrigerant, which causes far significantly less damage to the ozone layer compared to HCFCs refrigerants such as R22. Thirdly, ductless air conditioning systems normally adhere to the ENERGY STAR guidelines. Their SEER ratings far surpass most conventional systems which makes them much more energy efficient. Mitsubishi manufactures ductless systems that have a 30.5 SEER rating.
Homeowners who have had a ductless air conditioner installed in their home boast about the benefits that they have received from doing so.
Recycle
According to estimates from the EPA, you can reduce your annual carbon footprint by about 600 pounds simply by recycling your recyclable waste materials. Examples of such materials include glass, plastic, paper, and aluminum. Additionally, you should carry your own bags when you go shopping to reduce packaging.
Annual Tune-Ups For Your HVAC Equipment
Annual tune-ups for your HVAC system are vital. They keep the system working efficiently.
This translates into reduced heating and cooling costs. Tune-ups also help avoid surprise breakdowns and avoidable repair costs.
Moreover, annual tune-ups ensure that your system is safe to operate which will increase its lifespan. Your heater will need a tune-up in the fall and your air conditioner will need one scheduled in the spring season.
It is never too late to schedule a maintenance appointment if you haven’t had a tune-up yet. As the saying goes, better late than never. Be sure to contact a reputable heating and cooling services company to conduct all maintenance on your HVAC system.
Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Replace your traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options. For instance, LED light bulbs are up 80% more efficient than incandescent bulbs, according to the DOE. Using these types of light bulbs reduce your carbon footprint significantly. A single light bulb produces over 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution over its lifetime. To put that in perspective, it would take about 600 miles of driving to produce the same amount of carbon pollution.
Change Your HVAC Air Filters On A Monthly Basis
Replacing your air filters is probably one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption inside of your home. Therefore, your carbon footprint is reduced as well. This is because dirty air filters, typically, puts more strain on the fan motor. This causes it to work harder, thereby increasing its energy consumption.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Environmental experts say that carbon pollution is responsible for climate change. The associated effects include global warming, adverse weather and food insecurity. Developed countries including Australia, Canada the United States are among the biggest culprits when it comes to carbon pollution. Fortunately, you can reduce your carbon footprint by recycling, installing energy-efficient bulbs, investing in a ductless air conditioner, and having your HVAC system tuned up twice a year.
R.F. Ohl offers energy solutions for all of their customers in the northeastern Pennsylvania area. We offer HVAC services, heating oil delivery, propane delivery, plumbing services, and much more. All of our technicians are certified and experienced in their field so you can rest assured that when you contact us, you will get the best in the industry. For a complete list of our home services, click here.
R.F. Ohl is an authorized Bryant dealer. We have met the necessary requirements to install, repair, and maintain all Bryant air conditioning and heating systems. Contractors receive such a designation by passing a high standard of requisites set forth by Bryant. This means that when you use our HVAC services, you can feel confident that we have the knowledge and training to get the job done beyond your highest expectations. Click here to learn more about the benefits of Bryant systems.
R.F. Ohl has also been recognized by Mitsubishi. We have partnered with Mitsubishi and we are a designated Diamond contractor. Only a few select group of HVAC contractors can claim this. Mitsubishi offers exceptional heating and cooling solutions for homeowners. Click here to learn more about our Mitsubishi products.
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