AC/ Air Conditioner Heating

Over the last fifty years, people have begun to really think about how they can help to “save the planet.” This trend has grown substantially over the last twenty or thirty years, with the “going green” movement reaching into a range of industries. One industry that has been changed drastically by the idea of going green is the HVAC industry.

Today, there are government regulated standards to ensure that HVAC systems are as energy efficient and “green” as possible. Luckily for you, more energy efficient translates to money saving! Read on to learn how making more environmentally conscious decisions can help you reduce your HVAC costs!

Prioritize Energy Conservation

Believe it or not, conserving energy can consist of simple changes that are easy and can make a big difference to the environment!

Some changes, like simply turning off the lights when you leave a room, make little to no impact on your daily routine, but can make a world of difference to both the environment and your electric bill.

Another great adjustment you can make is to take shorter showers. This reduces both your water and energy consumption, and can help lower your water bill as well as your electric bill!

Conserving Cuts Energy Costs

Not only does conservation make you a virtual environmental hero, but a lot of the same practices that conserve energy also help you to cut down your energy costs.

For example, turning your thermostat down just seven to ten degrees for eight hours during the day can both reduce your energy usage and lower your heating bill by as much as 10%.

Consider Using Alternative Energy

Switching to alternative energy sources, like solar power, geothermal energy, and wind energy is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and your electric bill all at once!

Solar energy requires that solar panels be installed to harness the sun’s radiant energy and convert it into heat energy for your home.

Geothermal energy is popular because it can be harnessed virtually anywhere. It pulls thermal energy from the earth and converts it into power to run your home.

Wind energy requires that turbines be installed, so they are more popular in rural areas. The turbines harness the wind’s power, so it may not be very effective if there is little wind.

Get a More Effective HVAC Unit

Here are a few things you can do around the house that will improve the way your HVAC units function:

  • Keep lamps and other heat-producing appliances away from your thermostat.
  • Keep air vents clean by vacuuming them.
  • Keep regular maintenance and tune-up appointments with an HVAC professional.
  • Clear debris from around the outdoor condenser unit.
  • Change your air filter every 60 days.

Call TR Miller Heating and Cooling at (815) 265-6129 for all your HVAC needs in Plainfield. Don’t forget to share this article with any friends or family members that are looking to make a change for the better this new year! Remember that making more environmentally conscious choices in your home can benefit not only the environment but also your wallet.

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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