A Guide To Solar HVAC: Pros and Cons

If you’re a homeowner considering solar-powered air conditioning, then you are probably in the process of weighing all the pros and cons. There are many things to consider and think about before taking the plunge and going solar. In this guide, we cover all the pros and cons to solar HVAC.

Pros Of Solar HVAC

1. You Can Lower Your Utility Costs

Having a solar HVAC unit can help you lower your utility bills each month. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 48% of the average U.S. home’s energy use comes from heating and cooling. Because most of your energy will be coming directly from the sun, you’ll end up not using as much electricity. The U.S. Department of Energy also claims that you could save 40% or more on your energy bills by switching to a solar-powered unit.

2. It Can Increase The Value Of Your Home

Looking to sell in the future? Solar HVAC can increase the value of your home. According to a study from Berkeley Lab, home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium of roughly $15,000 for a solar home.

3. You Can Qualify For Tax Credits and Incentives

Government agencies and power companies want to encourage the use of higher efficiency equipment, so they try to offer more rebates and incentives. According to TurboTax, installing a solar-powered HVAC system in your home can qualify you for a tax credit of up to 30% of your total cost.

4. Decreases The Size Of Your Carbon Footprint

Solar-powered HVAC units emit very little greenhouse gases. According to NCAT, using solar energy to supply a million U.S. homes with energy would reduce CO2 emissions by 4.3 million tons per year – the equivalent of removing 850,000 cars from the road.

5. Enjoy Better Efficiency

Instead of the sun beating down on your roof directly, it gets absorbed into the solar panels. This helps to keep the temperature down during those hot summer months – and keep the temperature up during the winter. Because a solar HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your home, it’s a more efficient option.

Cons Of Solar HVAC

1. It Doesn’t Work On All Roof Types

Unfortunately, solar-powered HVAC units can’t be installed on all types of roof. Depending on the material your roof is made of, installation could be hard or even impossible. This is also true if you have anything on the roof that could be in the way of the solar panel installation, such as skylights.

2. You’re Looking At High Upfront Costs

Even though solar-powered units will save you money overtime, it’s a big investment upfront – one that can be really costly. Depending on your set-up and type solar-powered unit you choose, you could spend thousands on the install.

3. It Relies On Weather

Solar-powered HVAC units are entirely dependent on weather. If you live in an area where weather can be unpredictable, this is something to consider. This can really impact the efficiency of your solar unit.

Do The Pros Outweigh The Cons? Contact Freedom Air and Plumbing For All Your Solar HVAC Needs in Cocoa, FL and Surrounding Areas!