Make Your Home More Energy Efficient With Solar-Ready Air Conditioning
July 23, 2020
Harnessing the power of solar energy is not a new concept, but we’re seeing a growing market for residential solar solutions. Learn how a solar home energy system combines solar-ready air conditioners and solar roof modules to create a cost-effective and sustainable approach to cooling your home.
Can My Air Conditioner Run on Solar Power?
Some newer air conditioning models are “solar-ready” and can be incorporated into cutting-edge home energy systems that rely on power from solar panels. Older air conditioning systems are typically incompatible with modern solar technology and rely solely on energy from the traditional power grid.
Lozier’s top-of-the-line Dave Lennox Signature Air Conditioner Collection, has the capability to run on solar energy. Reach out to our team of HVAC experts to learn more about transitioning your home to an eco-friendly, solar-ready energy system.
3 Benefits of Solar Air Conditioning & Using Solar Powered Appliances
As consumers grow more conscious of energy use, appliance efficiency and cost savings, retailers are offering more options for solar powered appliances, including solar air conditioning. Learn some of the top benefits of using a solar powered air conditioner and other solar appliances.
1. Smaller Carbon Footprint
Many homeowners are looking into how they can be more eco-friendly to help reduce the impact of global warming. Throughout your home, there are many opportunities to switch to more environmentally friendly options. Reducing your reliance on the power grid increases your home’s energy efficiency, and a solar powered air conditioner is just one example. Switching to solar powered appliances for the home helps reduce your carbon footprint and overall electricity usage.
2. Multi-Purpose Opportunities
One of the great benefits of solar power is its versatility. Once you have solar panels installed at your home, you can use them to power any solar-ready appliance. A solar powered air conditioner could just be the beginning. You could hook up other things to your solar panels in order to see increased benefits from your transition to a more solar powered home.
3. Potential Cost Savings
Although a solar power system and solar-ready air conditioning unit may cost more upfront, you’re likely to end up saving money in the long run. The more appliances you can run on solar energy, the lower your electricity bills will be. Installing solar panels and relying on solar powered appliances could save you thousands of dollars over the course of a few years.
The Best Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Replacing appliances with solar powered versions isn’t the only way to make your home more energy efficient. Consider taking additional steps to increase your cost savings and reduce your carbon footprint.
Monitor Peak Energy Times
Energy vendors identify peak hours and charge more per kWh during these times because energy demand is much greater. To avoid peak hour energy prices, stagger your appliance use throughout the day, try to limit running your laundry units or dishwasher until they’re full and avoid heavy usage during peak energy times.
Seal and Insulate Your Home
No matter how conservative your energy use, it won’t make a difference if all the cold air is leaking out through poor insulation, gaps and cracks. Make sure your home is properly insulated, and check for aging seals on doors and windows. Keep doors and windows closed, so cold air doesn’t escape, and use blinds or curtains on windows to prevent sunlight from streaming in and making your house uncomfortably warm.
Raise the Temperature on Your Thermostat
If you can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures inside your house, try increasing the temperature by a couple degrees on your thermostat settings. Most people will not notice the change, and you’ll save money by not running your A/C when it’s unnecessary. If you have a programmable wi-fi thermostat, adjust the temperature even more during times you’re away from home.
Avoid Unnecessary Water Usage
Making small changes to reduce your water usage can make a big difference. For example, try taking shorter showers and fixing drips and leaky pipes. A dripping pipe might seem insignificant, but a little bit of wasted water can really add up.
Use Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs
Energy efficient light bulbs can reduce energy consumption by 25-80% when compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs. They also last much longer. Switching to energy efficient light bulbs is a small way to make a big step toward having a more efficient home.
Optimize Your Water Heater
The default temperature for most water heaters is 140 degrees. Water at this high temperature poses a safety risk to members of your household. In order to reduce the risk of injury and reduce your energy costs, we recommend lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. This reduction decreases the risk of scalding, and it will lower the cost of your water bill.
Unplug Chargers and Small Appliances
When appliances are plugged in, they may use trace amounts of electricity even while they’re not in use. Unplugging chargers and small appliances like coffee makers and Blu-Ray players reduces energy consumption and also eliminates fire risk.
More Solar Powered Appliances For The Home
Solar air conditioning is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to solar powered appliances for the home. As manufacturers respond to the growing need for energy efficient solutions, homeowners have more options for solar powered devices and appliances.
- Lights, especially solar powered outdoor lighting options
- Water heaters, also known as solar domestic hot water systems
- Generators Solar powered generators are quieter and cleaner than electric or gas generators
- Solar fans, such as exhaust fans and ceiling fans, are an efficient alternative to traditional fan technology
- Solar-ready heat pumps enable homeowners to harness solar power to support their home heating needs.
Let Lozier Help You Switch to a Solar-Ready Air Conditioner
If you’re ready to upgrade to an air conditioner that can run on solar power, explore Lozier’s solar-ready product lines. Installing solar powered and solar-ready appliances is one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient, lower your monthly utility costs and decrease your carbon footprint. Reach out to our team if you have any questions about solar air conditioning systems.