Austin has become a city at the forefront of the “Green Movement”. With the help of the Green Building Program, Austin homeowners and builders have access to limitless suggestions for a more environmentally friendly home. Suggestions range from construction materials to how to efficiently heat and cool a home. Besides reducing heating and cooling costs, going green may also earn a homeowner a rebate from the City of Austin.

The most important factor in selecting an AC unit is to ensure it is the right size for your home. A large unit will cool a room faster, but uses much more energy and runs longer than a smaller unit. A correctly sized air conditioner will remove excess humidity from the air and will run for shorter lengths, reducing energy usage. It is also very important to service the air conditioner as often as possible to reduce energy usage. Check the ducts and around windows and doors for any possible leaks. Maintain any caulk or tape joints to prevent leaks. Select a system with a programmable thermostat also meets the minimum standard of SEER-13. Use Pleated-Media Filters in the duct grill and make sure to replace or clean them often. Another option is to use a heat pump that performs the same way as an air conditioner, but uses less energy to do so.

The less energy a home uses, the less of an impact it will have on the environment. Many steps can be taken to reduce energy output that are both environmentally friendly and money saving.