Going Green is Easier than you think. Central can show you how

Want to reduce your personal impact on the environment and go green in an effort to do your part.
We certainly strive to do our part by recovering and recycling R-22 refrigerant in the air-conditioning systems we repair and replace. But Central has some things for YOU to consider:

HCFC-22 (also known as R-22) has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment, releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas and the manufacture of R-22 results in a by-product (HFC-23) that contributes significantly to global warming.

Tips for Green Air Conditioning Systems

One important thing you can do for the environment is to purchase a highly energy-efficient system. Energy-efficient systems result in cost savings for the homeowner. Our Trane high-efficiency heatpump systems use much less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. Even if your current air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save significantly on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. Products with EPA's Energy Star® label can save you 10% to 40% on your heating and cooling bills every year. And, with a properly installed and serviced home comfort system from Central, you will reduce its impact on the environment. That step could reduce your carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 1,500 pounds a year.

Additionally, there are a few other things you can do to reduce your overall carbon footprint and its impact on the environment:

First, we recommend that you buy a programmable thermostat for your home. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust your home’s temperature on a predetermined schedule, so you don’t unnecessarily waste energy when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping. These reduce energy consumption since you won't have to remember to turn the AC up or down. In addition, every degree higher you set your AC will reduce your home cooling costs by 3 to 5 percent.

Seal and insulate ductwork — Poorly sealed ductwork can drastically reduce the cooling efficiency of your air conditioning system, as can ductwork that runs through un-insulated spaces like attics, garages, and crawl spaces.

Install a Whole House Fan — Whole house fans are installed in the ceiling leading into your attic, and cool your residence by drawing cool outside air through open windows into your home, and expelling warmer air up and out through ventilated attic space. A whole house fan can eliminate the need for air conditioning in mild climates or can supplement air conditioning in hotter regions.

Green Air Conditioning that's Right for You

If you're feeling unsure about how green you're willing to go, there's no need to worry. Going green isn't an all-or-nothing proposition, and not every homeowner has the time or the resources to purchase the most energy-efficient air conditioner on the market, install a whole house fan, and move ductwork into an insulated area all in one fell swoop. The truth of the matter is that any step you take in a green direction is a smart one, especially when it comes to the high costs and heavy energy consumption that go hand-in-hand with artificially cooling your home.