How You Can Help Save The Planet Without Breaking A Sweat

Most North American electricity generation comes from burning fossil fuels at power plants. This is not pollution free. The emissions occur at the various power plants connected to the continental electricity grid.

When you reduce your electricity usage, you reduce power plant emissions, cutting your carbon footprint and, at the same time, cutting your out of pocket utility costs.

Air conditioning efficiency has improved dramatically. The base efficiency of a residential air conditioning system is 30% higher today than just a couple of years ago.

Air conditioning efficiency is expressed in SEER, or the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Think of SEER like miles per gallon for your car. The higher the SEER, the less you spend to cool your home.

The base efficiency today is 13 SEER. Depending on the age and condition of your air conditioner, your system might be operating at 6 SEER or less. Upgrading to a 13 SEER system could cut your cooling costs in half.

Remember, 13 SEER is the base efficiency. Higher efficiency models are available.

Sooner or later you will need to replace your air condition. You may want to wait if your system is less than ten years old, in good condition, and you have it tuned-up every year.

If your system is older than ten years, is breaking down every few years, hasn't been maintained, your summer cooling bills are high, or you experience comfort problems (some rooms are too hot or cold while others are comfortable), you should consider upgrading to a more comfortable, more efficient, and less expensive system with a smaller carbon footprint.

Hybrid vehicles aren’t the only way to reduce your impact on the planet. Upgrading to an energy efficient air conditioner will slash your home’s carbon footprint and chop your electricity bill at the same time.

Doing the right thing saves money, improves comfort, and makes your home healthier!