Go Green for Earth Day

In 1970, Americans were driving large cars with massive engines that gobbled up leaded gas. There were no laws or regulations to prevent industries from producing large amounts of air pollution.

After witnessing the devastation of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin wanted to find a way to raise public consciousness about air and water pollution. Senator Nelson organized a “national teach-in on the environment” and with others, built an organization to promote events across the country.

As a result, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets and public squares to rally for a healthy, sustainable environment. In 1990, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries. Since the first one in 1970, Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22.

Benefits of Going Green at Home

There are many personal benefits to making your home more energy efficient. One of the most attractive is the financial savings that comes with using less energy. You may consider replacing your older air conditioning system. The HVAC systems on the market today are much more energy-efficient than ones made even just a few years ago.

To help you get started, there are even federal tax benefits available this year. If you install a qualifying energy-efficient HVAC system, you may be eligible to receive a federal tax credit of up to $300. This tax credit is scheduled to end December 31, 2013.

On top of the federal tax credit, you may be able to take advantage of energy company rebates. APS residential customers who replace their existing heat pump or A/C system could be eligible for $270 in APS rebates for high efficiency equipment and SRP customers are eligible to receive a rebate of up to $400 back for installing an energy-efficient A/C system.

Ways to “Green Up” Your Home

Why not be a part of Earth Day this year? Just taking care of your Phoenix air conditioning system and making other small changes around the house can help you decrease your energy usage and save money.

• Get regular maintenance for your Phoenix air conditioning system: Your HVAC system should receive a check-up by a licensed, professional Phoenix air conditioning service provider twice a year to make sure it is working properly and not wasting energy.
• Replace your faucets: In 1994, new water conservation mandates were put in place that limited the gallons per minute that faucets could use. If you have water fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen that were installed before 1994, consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models.
• Replace your light bulbs: Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use about 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, energy.gov.
• Limit your “energy vampires:” Appliances such as coffee makers, cell phone chargers, laptops and TVs use energy even when the appliance is turned off. Unplug if not in use
• Regulate the temperature of your Phoenix air conditioning system: Many homes and businesses keep their HVACs at low temperatures, sucking energy and money. The optimal temperature is 78 degrees and a programmable thermostat can help you maintain this temperature with little effort.

Ready to “green” you air conditioning system? Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing, the largest Phoenix air conditioning service provider in Arizona, can help – contact us today! To schedule a maintenance, repair or replacement appointment visit our website or call (602) 943-3426 in Phoenix, (520) 618-1884 in Tucson or (505) 264-7257 in New Mexico.