Going Green

It’s no secret that the time to start thinking about energy and the environment has long past.  With home heating and air conditioning being one of the largest consumers of energy, HVAC contractors and suppliers are constantly seeking ways to go green.

Going green means creating buildings that use fewer non-renewable energy sources and create less pollution.  Green buildings generally cost less money to heat and cool and are better for the health of its occupants as well as the environment.  It’s not just about saving money anymore.  It’s about saving our planet.

Today I will give you a brief outline of some of the new, greener products available for your home.

On-Demand Hot Water Heating Systems: Also called a tankless hot water heater, an on-demand hot water heater provides you with hot water only as it is needed rather than relying on a large storage tank.  A traditional hot water tank needs to keep the water in the tank hot at all times, so even when there is no need for hot water, the system is burning energy to keep the hot water on stand-by. A tankless system works by heating cold water as it runs through the system.  The hot water then travels as needed to the faucet. Besides being more energy efficient, an additional benefit is you never have to wait for the water tank to heat up. There is always hot water available. The size of unit needed for your home is determined by your hot water usage. Taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time may exceed the capabilities of a smaller unit.

Indirect Hot Water Heating Systems: An indirect hot water heating system uses your existing boiler to heat your water.  Water heated by the boiler is transferred to an insulated storage tank.  This saves energy because it eliminates the need for a separate energy source to heat the water as in conventional electric or gas hot water heaters. 

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Geothermal heat pumps use the heat from the ground to heat the air in your home. The temperature underground is relatively stable all year round. A heat pump extracts heat from the ground and pumps it into your home. The heat is gathered and transferred using a refrigerant. The heat is circulated through your home using a fan and ductwork. Because of the stable temperatures underground, the process that provides heat in the winter can provide air conditioning during the hot summer months.

Ordinary heat pumps work in similar fashion, but rely on extracting heat from the outdoor air and pumping it indoors. Even though heat can be extracted from even cold air, the heat pump has to work harder to produce heat during the coldest days. That makes geothermal heat pumps far more efficient.

Solar Water Heaters: A solar thermal water heating system connects directly to your existing gas or electric system.  The purpose is to provide supplemental energy to power the system.  The use of a solar water heating system can decrease your need for conventional energy sources and cut down on greenhouse gases. The actual cost savings varies based on the price of the solar collectors where the water is heated, the storage tank, the amount of water you use, the efficiency of your original system and the amount of sunlight in your area.

Solar Air Heaters: Solar power can also be used to heat your home. Air or water, depending on your choice of system, is heated by the solar collectors. The heat is then transferred into the home. If the system does not provide enough heat, a backup system can be used to finish the job. Even if a backup system is needed, the use of solar power greatly decreases the amount of fuel burned by the traditional system.

Biomass Combusters: You can lower your heating bills by installing a biomass stove. Biomass stoves burn pellets made from recycled waste made from sawdust. These pellets burn cleaner than traditional wood burners. Also in the works are stoves that will burn corn or even grass pellets, putting your grass clippings to good use! Not only do they save you money on your heating bill, but they can be an attractive fixture in your home.

As more and more people become more concerned with the environment and the rising oil prices, companies are scrambling to find alternative sources of energy for heating and cooling. We at Air Now are equally committed to helping our customers realize substantial cost savings over the life of their HVAC systems. Check back often for news on the latest Green Energy products.