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Every year, much of the energy used in the United States is wasted. Americans take for granted the amount of energy that is expended for every-day activities. But reducing energy waste is possible. Achieving energy efficiency is one of the easiest societal changes we can make if we commit to using energy in smarter ways.
Energy efficiency is an important concept to understand. It is the process of reducing energy consumption by using less energy to accomplish tasks. Moreover, energy efficiency is an effective way to fight negative impacts of climate change, keep the air clean, and keep personal energy costs low.
Energy efficiency has a major impact when it comes to reducing carbon footprints. It is an easy, cost-effective means to reduce climate pollution. Some steps towards efficiency include focusing on the development of renewable sources of energy, like wind, solar, and nuclear power. But it is also critical to reduce carbon emissions by using technology to develop products that require less energy to use overall –that is, products that can be powered by low-carbon sources (e.g. electric or hybrid cars).
As an industry, clean energy touts energy efficiency as also vital to the US economy. The field of energy efficiency is rich in job opportunities—from operating windmills to manufacturing energy efficient appliances; this stimulates the economy and decreases unemployment rates. What’s more, many of the jobs are in research; this work feeds back into the further development of energy efficiency measures.
Energy efficiency also lowers the cost of energy services for governments, businesses, and individual households. For households, taking steps towards efficiency is key to lowering utility bills. Energy efficiency does not require major sacrifice or place restrictions on how energy is used; it simply requires a change to the types of things used for household tasks that draw energy. Some of the most basic, but also most impactful things to do are to use energy efficient LED lightbulbs instead of incandescent bulbs; to adjust temperature settings and use a programmable thermostat; to make sure the house is well weatherized, so air cooled in summer and warmed and winter is not lost; and to upgrade home appliances to energy efficient ones.
Energy efficient appliances, including HVAC systems, are an investment that helps consumers reduce their carbon footprint and save money over time. The utility savings over the lifetime of the investment in energy efficient appliances can offset the total purchase price and can increase the property value of the home. Savings can be maximized by taking advantage of programs offered through local utility companies as well. Austin Energy customers, for example, can earn rebates and/or incentives funded by the City of Austin for managing their energy use smartly, upgrading their homes, and purchasing and installing energy efficient appliances and HVAC systems.
If you need more information about installing an energy efficient HVAC system in your home, consider contacting The Coolest LLC in Austin. Mark “Air” LeGare and his team of HVAC specialists is ready and waiting to offer you expert advice and a free estimate.
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