Blue Ox Heating & Air: Clean and Green
When you are searching for a local heating and cooling contractor, you want not only great service, high integrity and the best available prices. You also want to know you’re dealing with folks who place as high a priority on environmentally sustainable practices as you do.
At Blue Ox Heating & Air, nothing is more important to us than preserving the clean air and sky-blue waters of our great state of Minnesota. We undergo constant training and certification to ensure we follow best practices in sustainability.
The good news is that this focus provides great benefits not only to your community, but also to the quality of life inside your home.
How We’re Helping
From installing high-efficiency furnaces and cooling systems that minimize energy consumption to ensuring waste reduction by properly disassembling and recycling the appliances and fixtures we remove from job sites, we maintain a constant focus on environmentally sustainable practices.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems
Traditional HVAC systems often use fossil fuels like natural gas or oil, which release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases when burned. High-efficiency HVAC systems, on the other hand, optimize energy usage and can use alternative energy sources such as electricity from renewable sources. This helps to mitigate the environmental impact and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
High-efficiency HVAC systems also can very much improve the environment inside your home by incorporating advanced filtration and ventilation technologies that remove airborne pollutants, allergens and particulate matter.
Recycling Old Equipment
At Blue Ox Heating & Air, we follow all current best practices for minimizing HVAC equipment volume heading to the landfill. When we remove your old AC unit and/or furnace, we ensure that the system’s components are properly disassembled and recycled.
Some components of HVAC systems, such as metal parts, will be recycled to reclaim valuable materials like copper and aluminum. Other elements, like refrigerants, must be handled and disposed of properly to prevent environmental harm.
Rebates
Consumer rebates often are available for switching to a high-efficiency HVAC system. These include not only programs at the federal, state and municipal level, but also manufacturer rebates. We work with you to maximize your return on your HVAC investment. Don’t leave money on the table!
Helpful resources include:
- Energy Star: https://www.energystar.gov/
- CenterPoint Energy: https://centerpointenergy.com
- Xcel Energy: https://my.excelenergy.com/s/
How You Can Help
Your usage and maintenance habits, over time, can make a big difference. Here are some tips and guidelines that can improve your home’s sustainability and efficiency:
Optimize thermostat settings. Lowering the temperature in winter and raising it in summer by a few degrees can lead to substantial energy savings. Consider using a programmable or smart thermostat from Blue Ox to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.
Seal air leaks. Identify and seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas where conditioned air can escape or outside air can infiltrate. Use weatherstripping, caulk or other appropriate sealants to prevent drafts.
Insulate properly. Adequate insulation in walls, attics and crawl spaces can help maintain desired temperatures inside your home, allowing your HVAC system to work more efficiently.
Use natural lighting and shading. Maximize natural light during the day by opening curtains or blinds. Similarly, close them in hot weather to block out sunlight and reduce the need for air conditioning. Consider installing energy-efficient windows or window films for better insulation.
Maintain HVAC systems. Regularly clean or replace HVAC filters to ensure proper air flow and system efficiency. Schedule professional maintenance from Blue Ox to keep your HVAC system running optimally and identify any potential issues.
Get smart. Did you know that some smart electronic thermostats can sense when your HVAC system is performing poorly, including cycling too frequently? At Blue Ox Heating & Air, we install and program smart thermostats to enhance your home’s performance.
Remember, energy-saving practices are not only beneficial for the environment but also for reducing your energy bills!
