There’s two great reasons to go with a more environmentally friendly hvac system: helping the planet by reducing your energy use and saving money!  If you are needing to replace an old, outdated heating and/or cooling system -then it’s certainly worth considering the upgrade to a more efficient model!

The R22 (Freon) Phase out

The US Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out the production and import of HCFCs including R22 also known as Freon.  This is a common coolant used in older air conditioning units.  The law takes effect on January 1st, 2020.  The cost of Freon approaching that date is rising as the supply is reduced.

This is a good reason to consider moving forward to a modern, energy efficient cooling system as older air conditioning systems that depend on R22 won’t be cost effective to maintain without a retrofit if possible.

Learn more about the R-22 phase out: What you need to know about the R22 (FREON) Refrigerant phase out

Save green going green!

Saving money on your utility bills is possible with even a traditional forced air system, such as a more energy efficient furnace or by installing a high seer air conditioning unit.  Our hvac experts are ready to evaluate your needs and help you get the most bang for your buck.  There are a lot of less known options out there as well, such as geothermal and radiant heating.

Lets take a look at some alternative heating and cooling options.

Ductless Mini Splits

Even a ductless mini split system can help save money -especially in situations where there is no duct work present and the room only needs to be heated or cooled when in use.  Garages and workshops are great examples of such rooms.  These systems take up very little space and come in a variety of models built to suit all sorts of needs, but it’s important to pick the right one best suited for the room and intended use.

Geothermal Systems

These systems use the natural difference in temperature from ground to heat and cool the home.  Geothermal systems typically cost much more up front but can lead to significant monthly savings on utility bills.  There are tax incentives and rebates for going with a geothermal system that can help reduce the initial expense.  And because the heat/cold is coming from the ground there is generally a lot less noise with these systems than with a traditional system.  Call us today to learn if a geothermal system is the right choice for you.

Radiant Floor Heating

These systems work by pushing hot water or by using heated coils built into the floor.  The floor stays toasty warm and gives off heat, which naturally rises into the air of the house.  These systems are especially quiet and are generally more efficient.  They are great for country homes as they can run off of propane or oil in addition to natural gas and electricity.  Learn more about Radiant floor heating.

This doesn’t mean the only way to save money is by switching hvac systems all together, there are a number of things you can do to improve your monthly utility bills:

Smart thermostats

A smart thermostat isn’t necessarily a huge step in saving money but it certainly can help save money on the monthly utility bills while adding a whole lot of convenience.  By programming in your work schedule and sleep schedule -even vacation time can help reduce how much your hvac system is running.   If you are interested in learning more about these devices and whether they are worth investing in; read out article where we filter out the hype: Are smart thermostats really worth it?