Energy efficiency has become a huge priority in household management, and for good reason — not only does it keep heating and cooling costs low, but it’s a green way of living that can help the planet as well. While the adults of the house may take energy conservation to heart without needing to be convinced, it can sometimes be a little trickier to get kids to consider the costs — both financial and environmental — of blasting the air conditioning or leaving lights on in empty rooms.

As the HVAC world strives to become more energy-efficient in order to contribute to a greener home, it’s important that you teach energy conservation lessons to your children as well. Here are five ways you can teach your kids to save energy at home and hopefully impart environmentally-friendly lessons that they’ll take with them for the rest of their lives.

Make Learning Simple

Kids benefit from simple, concrete examples and explanations to help them understand how energy powers their home and why it’s important to save energy as much as possible. Have a sit-down with your children to describe where energy comes from and how it helps your family.

HomeSelfe recommends using easy, fun websites like Physics4Kids or Energy Star Kids to make the information accessible to kids of all ages, or even checking books out of the library (which is its own lesson in saving energy and resources!). Once kids understand how energy is made and where it comes from, they’ll be able to better understand the importance of conserving it throughout the house.

Play “Spot the Outlets”

Now that your kids know a bit more about energy, take them around the house and get them to point out all the places where there’s a power outlet. (This is also a great time to teach them about the dangers of electricity and how to use caution around outlets.)

Take a look at what devices and appliances are plugged into the outlets, and see if they can identify how necessary these devices are. If it’s the fridge, then of course it should be using energy. If it’s a lamp, then it should only be turned on when it’s needed. Reward your kids with a sticker every time they correctly identify a non-vital device that can be turned off to save energy.

Find Creative Ways to Keep Warm

Growing up, did your parents tell you to put a sweater on when you were cold? Annoyingly enough, your parents were right all along. Now that you’re a parent, you can even go one step further with your own kids in the winter months and make a game out of finding ways to warm up after turning down the thermostat.

Lemon Lime Adventures suggests making cozy forts out of blankets, cuddling up as a family for a movie night, or simply bundling up (just like your parents told you to do). You could even have a “winter fashion show” with your kids to see what kind of fun, layered outfits they can come up with from their closets.

Have a Night Off the Grid

Here’s a challenge for the warmer months: Have a night where your family doesn’t use any power whatsoever. Use candles to light your home, get your kids to help make dinner without using the stove (think big salads, sandwiches, or cheese and meat boards), read books together with flashlights, or take turns telling stories. As an added bonus, Toms of Maine notes that a power-free night can really demonstrate to your kids how much they rely on household energy, as well as how easy it can be to use less of it.

Put Kids in Charge

Whether it’s heating in the winter or air conditioning in the summer, having windows open or closed can make a huge difference. Your heating and cooling systems will be working extra hard to make up for the air escaping, so appoint your kids as the household “window guardians” and get them to ensure that windows are keeping heat (and air conditioning) inside, without any cracks or leaks.

If they do happen to find drafty leaks, you can engage kids with a fun craft: Make a “Draft Snake” out of old socks to stop up the cracks in windows or doors. (However, if you consistently have cold or hot spots in your home, that is a different issue.)

Save Energy, Save Money, Help the Planet

Teaching your kids to save energy isn’t just about turning out the lights after leaving the room. It’s also about showing them how their small actions can add up to a big difference. Not only are you going to be saving money on your heating and cooling bills, but you’ll also be teaching your kids lifelong lessons in how helping the environment can truly start at home. Keep things simple and fun, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly kids will be willing to help out.

If you’ve got bigger energy concerns as it relates to your heating or cooling system, contact Bob Jenson to discuss potential solutions. Since the late 1970s, we’ve been a trusted San Diego HVAC provider.

Where is the HVAC Industry Headed?

Every year, we see new developments in the world of technology and home comfort. In the HVAC industry, the most prominent focus has been on finding solutions that deliver more efficient heating and cooling, with the goal of cutting costs and protecting the environment. Smart, green technologies are earning worldwide respect, and the industry should continue seeing significant growth all the way through to 2020.

As consumers search for more efficient homes, the trend for greener HVAC solutions continues onward. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular trends, from radiant heat to smart systems.

1. Ductless Air Conditioning

Ductless air conditioning units are not new, but mini-splits are only just beginning to become popular in the U.S. These unique AC units can provide everything from zoned heating solutions to whole-house temperature control. A ductless system is energy efficient because it can deliver 30% savings or more in heating and cooling bills. What’s more, thanks to the ability to have one condensing unit outside but four or more wall units inside, these systems offer extensive flexibility when it comes to customizing the indoor temperature of different parts of your home.

2. Geothermal Temperature Control

An old-fashioned option that’s beginning to gather momentum, geothermal HVAC products have been around since the 1940s. However, the use of these products has only begun to grow in popularity recently as a result of the green movement. A geothermal pump uses heat from the Earth via looped piping fitted into the ground. During the colder months, the fluid in the pipes moves underground and absorbs heat from the ground, before bringing that heat back into the home or property.

3. Radiant Heat Solutions

Radiant heat simply refers to a heating process that requires no ductwork. As we’ve learned with ductless air conditioning solutions, without the ductwork, it’s possible to eliminate huge sources of energy loss almost immediately. Radiant heat solutions can also deliver a more balanced comfort level indoors. According to ASHRAE, even at lower temperatures, radiant heat is often more comfortable than a forced-air solution.

4. Green Construction

Solutions for energy efficient heating and cooling don’t have to begin only after a property is built. Across the world, the construction industry has begun to invest in energy-efficient solutions that allow AC systems and heating solutions to work more efficiently within a property.

These green buildings make the most of designs intended to carefully absorb and distribute heat so that electrical devices don’t have to work as hard. Additionally, they often come with plenty of air filters that help to provide clean air, protecting the HVAC and reducing energy use.

5. Smart Homes

In recent years, we’ve begun to discover new and exciting applications for technology throughout the home. Devices that can communicate with each other are making our lives simpler, more convenient, and energy-efficient. The smart home market is expected to reach a value of $80 billion by 2022, and a smart thermostat can allow you to control the temperature in your property from an app.

This means that homeowners can control the temperature of their house when they’re at work, and they’ll never have to worry about forgetting to turn the heating off. Many systems even allow you to print out energy reports each month to show you where you’re using the most energy.

6. Variable Speed Air Conditioning

Finally, the technology used in variable speed solutions for air conditioning provide homeowners and property owners with a chance to adapt their heating and cooling preferences according to their needs with the highest level of efficiency. Unlike standard systems, variable speed options allow you to handle your heating and cooling cycles more precisely, because the system automatically changes to adapt to the needs of your home. According to research, simply switching to a variable speed solution could save homeowners as much as 40% on energy costs each year.

Adapting With the Times

As the world progresses towards greater convenience and comfort, and with new technologies always on the horizon, it makes sense that the HVAC industry would continue to evolve. From thermostat solutions that learn your preferences and adapt to your home, to greener homes designed to support your HVAC systems, there are plenty of ways to make your home more environmentally friendly.

Combined with other green-living solutions, the HVAC systems of tomorrow should deliver greater efficiency and comfort without damaging the earth.

Bob Jenson Air Conditioning and Heating services HVAC systems made by all brands. We can ensure that your unit is performing efficiently to the best of its ability. Get in touch with us today.

Shut Down at Night

Between air conditioning, lighting, and electronics, energy bills can start to skyrocket, especially in the summer. But with the right tricks up your sleeve, your company can actually reduce its energy costs during the hottest months of the year. Read on to discover our top tips for a smaller energy bill this season.

Think about all the things that get properly shut down when your employees head home. Are you just turning off the lights? What about the computers? And how about the air conditioning?

Depending on your climate, you may be able to drastically reduce your air conditioning bill by turning the air conditioner off at night. Simply designate someone to come in early in the mornings to turn the air on, or invest in a programmable thermostat.

Raise the Thermostat

It may seem smart to turn the air conditioning on full-blast during office hours, but you may be working it too hard. Chances are employees won’t notice a degree or two difference in the thermostat settings. Raising the thermostat by a couple of degrees can make a big difference to your energy expenditure and power bill. How much you change it depends on the temperature difference between the inside air and the outside air. The greater the temperature difference, the more work your air conditioner has to do.

Be sure that you don’t keep heat-producing equipment, such as computers, directly next to the thermostat. It will sense the heat from the device and cause the air conditioner to run longer and cooler than is needed.

Install and Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to reduce your air conditioner’s energy expenditure without using much electricity themselves. Ceiling fans create a wind chilling effect to help people cool off. That means you can raise the temperature in the office considerably — about 4 degrees Fahrenheit — without compromising comfort. Not only that, but the fans help improve air circulation. In the summer, the fan blades should be spinning in a counterclockwise direction.

Shade Your Office

There are many factors at play when it comes to your office temperature. If people are always coming and going, the constant opening of doors means cool air is escaping while the warm outside air is coming in. People, lighting, and electronics all contribute heat that raises the temperature in the office. However, one of the big factors at play is the sun. If you can block out some of it, your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the space. Some ideas include installing blinds on your office windows or planting trees on the sides of the building where the sun shines most.

Service Your HVAC

As long as you’re aiming to reduce the work your air conditioner has to do, make it a point to service your HVAC system. Something as simple as changing the filters can help boost the air conditioner’s efficiency so it uses less energy to reach the same temperature in the office. The drain on the unit should also be cleaned and serviced since dirt and moisture can build up in it and leave it clogged. Not only that, but an uncleaned drain can grow mold, which can be hazardous to your employees, partners, and customers. Talk to an experienced HVAC professional to see what you can do this summer to boost your air conditioner’s efficiency.

The vast majority of your summer energy bill comes from your air conditioner. By trying our solutions, you can keep your air conditioner from overworking so you don’t have to pay as much to cool your office.

Technology meets HVAC

With energy prices constantly on the rise and more homeowners looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints, the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems is a paramount concern. Fine tuning systems and temperature settings are at the core of HVAC energy conservation, and technology is making more convenient than ever.

In coming years, the term “smart” will be applied to a lot more than phones and watches; efficient everyday home appliances—like HVAC systems—are part of this evolving area of smart technology. Smart HVAC systems conserve energy and save consumers money, all while tapping into the technology that consumers have already adopted on a mass scale.

In this article we will look at practical ways that smart HVAC systems are improving the lives of users and what average consumers can expect from the technology in coming years.

What Is a “Smart” HVAC System?

This term is actually broad and can refer to any number of emerging technologies and products that make HVAC management more efficient and consumer friendly—not necessarily the whole system itself. Manufacturers sell HVAC system controls that allow consumers to adjust their home temperatures from a smartphone app and also to be alerted about upcoming maintenance or repair tasks. Other manufacturers have wall-mounted units that detect motion in specific rooms and adjust temperatures accordingly. If a room has no motion for 20 minutes, the system readjusts.

There are many ways that HVAC systems are getting smarter and more energy-efficient. In short, a smart HVAC system adjusts intuitively or remotely—it “knows” more about the homeowner’s preferences and needs, and the homeowner also has more control, even remotely, via mobile apps. A homeowner doesn’t have to physically adjust it the thermostat, and in some cases doesn’t need to do any adjusting anyway. Convenience is part of the equation, but cost savings through conservation is another benefit.

How Do Smart HVAC Systems Operate?

This is dependent on the specific product you use, but most make use of a thermostat, smart meter, and web or smartphone-enabled app. The main component of smart HVAC systems is climate control automation. Intuitive factors like occupation of a room and time of day play a role in telling the HVAC system what to do and when—all with little or no input from consumers.

Smart HVAC systems also better inform you regarding usage, maintenance tasks, and repairs. This means they help you make smarter consumption choices based on data, can help you lower utility costs, and can even extend the lifespan of HVAC systems by helping you stay up to date on maintenance tasks.

How Efficient are Smart HVAC Systems?

Some industry experts claim that smart HVAC systems will lead to a 20 percent increase in energy efficiency, with real-time information management leading to an increase in efficiency closer to 30 percent or 40 percent. The bottom line is that smart HVAC systems are a product of the information/digital age. Information and increasingly precise technology help these systems work smarter and help users to think smarter about energy consumption, too. This translates to cost and energy conservation.

Smart HVAC technology is innovating the way we consume energy for cooling and heating. As smart HVAC systems see wider mainstream adoption, the costs to use them will drop. This will in turn mean a larger population of homeowners who are able to save money on their HVAC use and a decrease in the amount of energy required for use.