Going Green

"How Geothermal Systems Work -

Geothermal heating and cooling systems use the natural constant ambient temperature of the earth to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. This is accomplished with a compressor or heat pump unit, the liquid heat exchanger medium, and the air delivery system. Quite simply, geothermal systems in heating take heat from the earth, transfer that heat to a refrigerant, then distribute the heat into the structure with a forced-air or hydronic system. In cooling, geothermal systems take heat from the structure, transfer the heat to the refrigerant, then transfer the heat back to the water or loop fluid. This works the same as a standard air conditioner, except a geothermal system uses water or loop fluid at a constant temperature (average 50 degrees) instead of varying outdoor temperature. In other words, it’s like heating and cooling your home when it’s 50 degrees outside -- all year!"

Going Green

There are many ways consumers & businesses today can "Go Green" & improve our environment and World overall.

Little steps or BIG steps are all steps in the right direction.

A few ideas BIG and little:

• Maintenance of all your home's HVAC equipment yearly to increase fuel efficiency & to optimize your equipment's performance
• Change your air filters (Dirty air filters slow down air flow and make your systems work harder)
• If you are considering installing a new AC system -- make sure it has PURON refrigerant. refrigerant is chlorine free and environmentally sound as it is a non-ozone depleting refrigerant
• "Properly" Install/Replace Higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) / AFUE equipment (Annual Fuel utilization efficiency)
• GeoThermal Installations
• Properly insulate your home -- (walls, ceiling, windows, floors, and doors)
• Turn your water heater down to 120°
• Have your contractor inspect the ductwork in your home to make sure it is properly sealed
• Install an Energy Star qualified / programmable thermostat
• Replace your light bulbs with Energy Star CFL bulbs
• Turn off lights and unplug unnecessary items or appliances (e.g. computers, cell phone chargers, TV)
• Plant a garden
• Turn the water off while brushing your teeth
• Replace old windows with new or install drapes/blinds
• Turn your thermostat down to 68°
• Shorten showers & install low-flow shower heads & faucets
• Wrap old hot water heaters with jacket insulation

If YOU have any other energy saving ideas, let us know and we will add them here.