If you’re hoping to be environmentally friendly as a homeowner in 2025, finding more efficient ways to cool your house makes a lot of sense. Fortunately, you can limit greenhouse gas emissions with a few smart changes to your home. And you’ll still be able to feel relief from the heat in the process.
Read this guide to discover the best ways to slash home cooling emissions when the summer heat cranks up!
Choose a Heat Pump System That Fits Your House
Having a heat pump system that’s either too small or too large, given the square footage of your home, can be problematic when your goal is increased efficiency. An undersized heat pump will struggle to keep pace with the temperature, running continuously and consuming excessive energy. A heat pump that’s too large will switch on and off constantly, leading to poor efficiency during a heat wave.
Make sure you’re working with a reputable technician who uses a Manual J calculation to determine the size of the system you need. This calculation considers factors like square footage, insulation, and geographic location.
Look at Ratings
In the HVAC landscape, SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) and EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) ratings should inform your cooling system choices. These rating standards have backing from the U.S. Department of Energy, and they offer a clear picture of a unit’s efficiency. You want equipment that can keep up with changing temperatures without draining energy. By opting for a unit that scores well on either scale, you’ll be making an investment in a greener lifestyle.
Seek Regular Maintenance
If you don’t maintain your cooling equipment, it could be burning more energy just to keep functioning. This contributes to waste and can drive up utility bills. Instead, commit to a regular servicing schedule where your technician checks coils, controls, and airflow. A skilled technician can handle these routine assessments and alert you to any repair needs. When technicians prepare for a stable HVAC career, they learn how to work with the most current heat pumps and controls, so you can trust they’ll be prepared.
Check Insulation
You won’t gain as much from a heat pump upgrade if you have poor insulation or leaks in your ductwork. That’s why it’s important to check seals within your home to avoid wasting energy. Attics and crawl spaces are prime locations for leaks. Do a visual inspection to look for obvious gaps around ducts. But trust your gut, too. If you feel like a part of a room is drafty, you may have a leakly duct joint or blockage.
Be Smart About Thermostat Use
You can improve cooling oversight by using a smart thermostat in your home. You’ll be able to plan your cooling efforts around peak usage times, as well, in may locations in 2025. Check to see if time-of-use (TOU) electricity pricing is available in your area. You’ll get access to cheaper prices on utilities outside of peak hours. That way, you can focus on doing more cooling during those hours to save money and energy. Take advantage of the ability to program your smart thermostat, as well. You can adjust the cooling so it’s less intense if you’re not home.
Trim Cooling-Related Emissions and Costs
With some intentional decisions, you can make 2025 the year you trim your cooling costs and embrace a greener approach to energy use. If you do need to upgrade your cooling system, take the time to ensure you’re choosing one that fits the size of your home. Look at SEER2 ratings and opt for a system with smart controls so you can manage your home’s energy use more easily. Stay on top of routine maintenance and be mindful of leaky ducts. Making these simple changes can translate to significant savings and more efficient energy use.