Decarbonizing HVAC: Reducing Carbon Footprints with Tech

A 2020 study estimates that air conditioning systems produce 1,950 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions every year. That translates to nearly 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Considering the study is five years old and the trend toward wider AC system adoption in developing countries, these numbers may be generously low.

The good news? Simple upgrades and proper maintenance can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while cutting monthly energy bills and improving performance. Here’s how.

What Does Decarbonizing Mean?

“Decarbonizing” simply means reducing carbon emissions. As it relates to your HVAC system, it means making your system more energy efficient by:

• Scheduling regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reduce energy waste
• Replacing or cleaning old filters to reduce system strain
• Installing smart systems that automatically learn your usage patterns to curb energy waste

Understanding Carbon In HVAC Systems

You may have heard your HVAC professional talk about carbon, which could refer to one of two things: carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. Here's the difference:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

CO2 is a greenhouse gas released by HVAC units that consume electricity or natural gas. While an HVAC unit that emits high levels of CO2 could make a home or commercial property feel stuffy, it is primarily an environmental concern.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a lethal gas produced when furnace fuel does not burn completely. Unfortunately, it is tasteless and odorless, which is why every home should have an HVAC carbon monoxide detector​.

Furnaces often produce carbon monoxide when there is not enough oxygen during the burning process—or, in some cases, when there is a crack in the heat exchanger or improper ventilation. To avoid dangerous carbon monoxide incidents, we recommend installing an HVAC carbon monoxide tester and scheduling regular maintenance with an HVAC professional.

Reducing Your HVAC Carbon Footprint

Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, let’s explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

Improve Home Efficiency

If new insulation and energy-efficient windows are beyond your budget, fear not. You can still improve your home’s energy efficiency by:

• Sealing air leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping
• Upgrading to thermal curtains
• Applying clear window film during cooler seasons
• Closing doors of unused rooms or partitioning off sections of the home that you do not regularly use

Keep Up With Maintenance

Want to prevent system breakdowns, reduce energy waste, and minimize your carbon footprint? We can help. Our maintenance technicians will:

• Inspect and clean your air filter
• Improve efficiency by cleaning your ductwork
• Calibrate your thermostat
• Lubricate moving parts
• And catch small fixes before they turn into costly repairs

Make Simple Upgrades

Modern HVAC systems have come a long way in terms of efficiency and reduced emissions output. We’re happy to help you make the upgrade. However, you can also make simple fixes like upgrading your filter or switching to a smart thermostat.

Greener Energy Never Felt So Good

Want to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying better energy efficiency and comfort? Air Control Heating & Air can help. Whether you need a system tune-up, a new filter, a smart thermostat, or a complete system upgrade, we're ready to help. Contact us today!