APR Supply Editorials- These Days It’s Easy Being Green

How Utilizing High Efficiency Equipment Benefits You, Your Customers and the Planet

By- Justin Snyder

Going Green in the trades is a growing movement that is transforming the way we think about construction, plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, and other trades. By prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, tradespeople are using innovative techniques and materials to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create more energy-efficient homes and buildings.

Not only does this benefit the planet, but it also saves money in the long run for homeowners and businesses. Whether it’s installing solar panels, using eco-friendly insulation, or utilizing rainwater harvesting systems, going green is a smart choice for both the environment and the economy.

With a commitment to sustainability, tradespeople can help build a better, greener future for everyone.

One way that APR Supply Co. does our part in pushing for a greener culture in the trades is by hosting in-person Regulatory Reviews across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware in 2023. These seminars inform of changes within the field, allow us to put focus on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and give guidance on how to make these changes benefit tradespeople and end users.

The IRA offers several incentives for homeowners, building owners, and contractors for installing and upgrading heating and cooling systems to more energy efficient systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Inflation Reduction Act really provides a lot of money for contractors when it comes to moving towards high efficiency equipment,” said Jeff Thompson, APR Supply Co. VP of Dealer Products. “Not only are there federal tax credits available for purchasing and installing this equipment, but there soon will be state rebates as well for high efficiency heat pumps that our contractors can capitalize on.”

These seminars have been held throughout our entire APR Supply Co. footprint of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. They afford us the opportunity to educate our contractors on the benefits of going green while also educating them on the equipment itself.

“Within the industry as a whole, there really is a big push on high efficiency equipment and for using renewable energy for our HVAC systems,” said Thompson. “This basically means using heat pumps as a form of electricity. Eventually electricity will come from renewable sources like wind and solar. While we are not there yet, with an increased demand in these products we’ll get there, and the world will benefit from going green.”

From ductless and ducted heat pumps and air conditioners to furnaces, boilers and more, there are high efficiency options available within various HVAC products. Aside from the tax credits and benefits of the IRA, there is also a long-term gain for consumers regarding money saved in their utility bills.

“There is a lot that goes into gauging just how much one can save from switching to greener HVAC equipment, but there’s no doubt in the long run you’ll be saving yourself money,” said Thompson. “The weather and where you live plays a big part and so do the individual consumer and how hard they’re using their equipment.”

One way to help consumers understand the amount of money they can save by switching to high-efficient equipment is to visit www.hvacopcost.com.

There, they can calculate the estimated amount of dollars they can save based on their location, equipment size, system type and size of their home. While this calculator should not be used to determine the size of a new HVAC unit, it does give them a general cost comparison.

“When it comes to consumers, high efficiency equipment will not only save them money, but they’ll use less energy while doing it,” said Thompson. “It’s really a win-win for them as they are saving valuable dollars, while doing their part to help the bigger cause.”

Thompson also noted that the plumbing field is benefiting from the usage of high efficiency equipment as well. He highlighted water heaters, both tank and tankless, as big proponents to the cause in the industry.

“Instead of storing water and wasting water, a tankless water heater is kind of like a cruise control for a home’s water system,” said Thompson. “It works in correlation with usage and modulates the heater to match the demand of the consumer. It’s really a much more efficient process and we’re just not wasting water that is so valuable.”

Overall, Thompson believes it’s important for contractors and consumers to become more knowledgeable on the products available and how they can do their part for the green movement. He noted that most manufacturers offer high efficiency options in their equipment fleet and that with simple research there is information readily available throughout the internet. However, he is an advocate of furthering education on eco-friendly products and believes that’s the easiest way our industry can help the cause.

“We are really focusing, especially in the training department, on high efficiency equipment and ensuring people have information readily available at their fingertips,” said Thompson. “The easiest way to spread the word and get the movement going is to tell contractors about the benefits and teach them how to work on the equipment.”

“While we are not 100% electric in terms of technology and products, as we grow and learn to become less dependent on these other products, we get closer to a place where we can maybe one day be there as a community and country. Together we are making a difference for a safer environment,” he added.

If you are looking for quick facts to share with your customers, below is a list of the top seven reasons they should consider going green with equipment in the future.

1.Energy Efficiency: By using energy-efficient HVAC systems and practices, a consumer cansignificantly reduce their energy consumption and lower utility bills. Energy-efficient systems useless energy to achieve the same level of heating and cooling, which not only results in lowerenergy bills, but a reduced carbon footprint. Green plumbing fixtures and technology not onlyminimize water usage and energy consumption, but the saving adds over time, both benefitingyour wallet and the planet.

2.Reduced Environmental Impact: By going green with HVAC and plumbing services, they canreduce their carbon footprint and help protect the environment. Energy-efficient systems useless energy and emit fewer greenhouse gases, which helps to reduce air pollution, and othernegative environmental impacts. By adopting eco-friendly plumbing practices, they arecontributing to the conservation of natural resources, reducing water wastage, and minimizingtheir impact on the environment.

3.Improved Indoor Air Quality: Green HVAC systems use advanced air filtration and ventilationtechnologies that can significantly improve indoor air quality. This is especially important forpeople with respiratory issues or allergies, as well as those who spend a lot of time indoors.

4.Improved Water Quality: Green plumbing often focuses on minimizing or eliminating harmfulsubstances for water systems. Using water filters and purifiers can improve the quality of waterfor a home and it also helps prevent potential health issues caused by pollutants.

5.Better Comfort: Green HVAC systems provide better comfort and temperature control, ensuringthat occupants are always comfortable and therefore more productive. They can also reduce hotand cold spots and provide more consistent heating and cooling throughout buildings.

6.Fewer Plumbing Repairs: Well maintained and efficient water heaters and systems can extendthe lifespan of a home’s plumbing infrastructure. The investment in high quality, sustainablematerials and fixtures may ensure fewer leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues.

7.Increased Property Value: Green HVAC and plumbing systems can increase the value of aproperty by making it more attractive to buyers who may be looking for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Potential buyers often appreciate those who are environmentally consciouswith their efforts and investments.