Blog
Sustainable Home HVAC Solutions You Should Know
Green habits have made their way into our daily routines. From remembering to bring our reusable bags to the grocery store to separating our trash, being eco-conscious is something we all work towards. One thing we often forget, however, is the need to run our HVAC system efficiently.
Sure, most of us know not to leave the windows open while the AC is running or to waste energy in general; after all, our monthly utility bills are good reminders. You should know, though, that there are things you can do to save energy in your home, which will also benefit your wallet.
Heating & cooling make up at least half of your home energy consumption. Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer use up a lot of energy. Good insulation helps a lot, but we’ve got a few ideas that will help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Install a Smart Thermostat – Smart thermostats are incredibly popular, and for a good reason: they save people money! Smart thermostats learn your routine, keeping your home perfectly comfortable when you want it and re-adjusting when it doesn’t need to be. Today’s models can integrate with your smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit for even greater convenience.
Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Appointment – A well-maintained unit will run easier, using less energy. In turn, regular maintenance will extend your system’s lifespan. This means you’ll save a bundle over time and delay the need to invest in a new system. We recommend an annual maintenance appointment, allowing us to make minor repairs before they become more serious and help keep your system running smoothly.
Make the Switch from R-22 – If you’ve got an older air conditioning unit, it may use R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon. Harmful to the ozone and having a negative environmental impact, it’s time to stop using it. Reach out to us to learn more about modern refrigerants like ozone-friendly R-410A and how to move forward.
Have Your Insulation and Ductwork Inspected & Maintained – It’s been said that 90% of homes are under-insulated. This situation causes your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to while creating hot & cold spots in your home. As well, your ductwork can develop leaks, causing similar issues. Get your home’s insulation and ductwork inspected and maintained; these small changes can have a significant impact.
Change Your Filter – Perhaps the simplest way to make your HVAC system operate more sustainably is to change its filter regularly. As particles in your home’s air accumulate in the filter, the system has to work harder to push air through it. Changing your filter is an inexpensive fix, and your household will breathe easier too!
Other Factors – There are a variety of things you can do around your home to help your HVAC system run easier and consume less energy. Shady trees & greenery can offer valuable shade, lowering your home’s temperature during the summer; while blocking cold wind during the winter. Another thing you can do is evaluate the windows in your home. Adding caulk, weatherstripping, or even upgrading to energy-efficient windows will help prevent heat gain and heat loss through your windows. New window coverings can help too.
If you’re looking for ways to help your HVAC system operate more sustainably, reach out to Reliable Home Environment. We can help you find a solution that is perfect for your family’s home comfort and the environment too.
