Cool and Green: HVAC Choices Make an Impact on Climate Change

Many consumers say they are concerned about how their home HVAC use contributes to climate change. Sense, a smart home energy company, conducted an analysis that showed that 20% of Americans have HVAC systems that cost the homeowner an extra $882 annually (in 2021) on average for home cooling—almost four times as much as the most efficient similar homes. Updating inefficient home systems could save 8% of total U.S. home electric usage.
 
As in many industries, the Covid-19 pandemic briefly slowed demand for improved air conditioning and heating equipment, but the industry is recovering quickly. Knowing that homeowners and businesses are looking to save money while reducing demand for energy for air cooling and heating from carbon-emitting sources will help you persuade clients to replace and upgrade HVAC equipment.
 
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) is Greener and Offers Advantages
 
One of the most important green industry trends is toward VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems, ductless HVAC systems that perform quietly. They have traditionally been seen in large buildings like multi-family apartments or commercial and office buildings but now are becoming available for the home market. VRF systems use coils which can heat and cool individual zones in buildings as needed and can recover lost heat used in cooling one part of a building to heat another part.
 
VRF at Home
 
VRF HVAC systems are refrigerant based and air-cooled, using an outdoor condenser unit and indoor fan units, similar to traditional heat-pump systems. The difference is that VRF systems have more than one small air handler which can be controlled individually. VRF systems are energy-efficient, flexible, quiet, and have much lower maintenance costs. While initial system cost can be high, consumers can expect energy savings.
 
Good Ventilation Equals Healthy Buildings
Covid-19 also helped many consumers to realize the importance of good ventilation for the first time. A non-electric ceiling fan, such as this model from Jeden, helps with good ventilation at low unit cost and no additional energy expense.
 
To be mounted under the multi-zone 4-way ceiling cassette of an air conditioning/heating unit or Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, it is an 8-blade extension that operates without electricity. It evenly diffuses air and heat from central air and heat conditioning systems and eliminates uneven distribution of air.
 
This maximizes comfort in living and working environments. The Jeden non-electric fan is lightweight and very quiet. The fan reduces the time it takes to reach the desired temperature in a room by up to 20 percent, reducing electricity bills from central air heating and cooling and resulting CO2 emissions by 20 percent as well. Smart consumers who are interested in green solutions will thank you for introducing them to this innovative solution for saving energy and money.