Updated: July 2023
A net-zero home is a carbon-free home. It produces as much, if not less, energy than it consumes. Creating a net-zero or zero-energy home involves more than just installing green devices and systems such as solar panels and battery storage systems. It is a holistic process that must take into account a wide variety of technologies and materials.
If used correctly, your HVAC system can play an important role in transforming your home into a net-zero home. To get the most out of your HVAC system, you need to make sure it is properly maintained.
Many people wrongly think that a net-zero home does not produce any carbon whatsoever. It helps the environment by offsetting the emissions it produces with the emissions it takes out of it.
Around 63 percent of electricity produced in the country gets generated using fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are finite resources and large quantities of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.
A substantial percentage of the total energy produced goes towards heating and cooling homes.
An energy-efficient HVAC system functions optimally and can help reduce your overall energy consumption. You will not only see significant savings, but your carbon footprint will shrink.
How frequently should I maintain my HVAC system?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask us at Cozy Home Services. A good rule of thumb is that an HVAC system should be maintained once a year (before winter or summer).
Do not ignore HVAC system problems.
When your system develops a problem, have an HVAC technician take a look at it. An overlooked HVAC system issue, no matter how minor, can snowball into a major problem.
Keep your HVAC system in top shape between service calls with routine maintenance.
- Clean your outdoor unit regularly.
- Keep vegetation (shrubs or plants) trimmed at a distance of at least two feet away from the unit.
- Inspect and repair or replace fins.
- Replace filters regularly (every 30-90 days).
- Inspect your thermostat regularly to make sure it is working correctly.
- Check the batteries.
Before buying an air conditioning system, remember to check its SEER and EER. The EER of an air conditioning system is arrived at by dividing its BTU by wattage. The SEER of a system gets calculated by dividing its BTU per hour by the total number of watts per hour it uses.
Whether you need help with air conditioning installation in Napa or want to improve the efficiency of an old system but do not know where to start, Cozy Home Services has got you covered. Our team will develop a plan to help you get the most out of your HVAC system. To schedule an appointment, call 707-518-9443.
