The Stiles Blog

The countdown to Earth Day has begun. The world’s largest environmental movement began in 1970 and set the stage for a reflection on our own individual impact on the world’s environment. On April 22nd as we celebrate the Earth and search for ways to improve our own carbon footprints, there a few easy ways to ensure we are doing our part.

Three ways to be more energy efficient this Earth Day:

1. Confirm the use of high-efficiency air conditioners.
   Using a high-efficiency air conditioner is an important step toward reducing unnecessary energy consumption. If your air conditioner is older than 10 years, it is not as energy efficient as it could be. The good news is the energy cost savings typically pays for itself in a very short period of time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests checking the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) level annually to ensure your unit is functioning properly. Your HVAC service provider can help you determine if your system is working at optimal levels.
2. Take steps to improve your indoor air quality.
   As we celebrate Earth Day, we can take some simple steps to improve our own indoor air quality to contribute to the greater good (and make our own lives more comfortable). Simple tips like opening the windows to air out your home, prohibiting smoking in the home as well as cleaning floors and dusting weekly can keep indoor air quality strong are a great start. Air filters and dehumidifiers will also improve your indoor air quality.
3. Update your interior with indoor plants.
   Indoor plants are a great addition to your interior design and offer huge benefits to the environment. Many common houseplants are proven to eliminate toxic agents such as benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from indoor air. Look for plants like the English ivy or the Variegated Snake plant which absorb pollutants. Also useful for indoor air quality improvement is the Peace lily and the Florist’s chrysanthemum which filter out all of the above, as well as ammonia.

Upgrading your home’s air conditioner or HVAC system may seem like a small step, and it can actually have a serious impact on your carbon footprint. Our heating and cooling systems and water heating are the biggest consumers of our home utilities. The added benefits include lower energy bills, an increased home value and higher comfort levels for your family.

Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing has taken pride in offering comprehensive HVAC services to Athens and its surrounding communities since 1974. We strive to keep our carbon footprint at its lowest levels on Earth Day and all year long. If you are interested in a professional assessment of your HVAC system to determine how you can cut down on your energy consumption, we’ll be happy to help. Our professional certified technicians can help assess your unique home and make smart recommendations.

Schedule an appointment with Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing Today!