With concerns about climate change and pollution rising, it has never been more important to be conscious of your environmental footprint and seek out ways you can help out the environment in your day-to-day life. One area of your life that probably has a lot of room for improvement is your home. By taking advantage of modern energy-saving technology, you can improve your home’s sustainability and ensure the planet remains safe and healthy.
#1. Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
If your HVAC system is old, it may not work as efficiently. You may find that you have to run your heater or air conditioner for longer periods of time in order to make your home comfortable, which uses more energy and increases your utility bill.
Old air conditioners also use a refrigerant called Freon, which has since been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency because it is a chlorofluorocarbon, which is a substance that damages the ozone layer of the atmosphere. When the ozone layer is damaged, it can lead to greater rates of skin cancer and cataracts, along with harm to plants, crops, and marine ecosystems.
Instead, newer systems use Puron, also known as R140A refrigerant, which is much more environmentally friendly. Since banning chlorofluorocarbons, the ozone layer has seen significant improvements. To ensure your HVAC system isn’t actively causing harm to the environment, consider improving your home’s sustainability by installing new, energy-efficient technology.
#2. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are a game-changer in improving a home’s sustainability. These devices learn your schedule and automatically adjust your home’s temperature, so when nobody’s home, it doesn’t heat or cool your home unnecessarily. It also allows you to control your HVAC system remotely from your smartphone, so even when you’re away from home, you can optimize your heating and cooling to meet your needs and ensure everything is running in the most efficient way.
#3. Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
HVAC systems that are kept in good condition and are professionally maintained are more energy efficient. Reach out to a professional HVAC contractor for inspections, cleaning, and maintenance. This allows any issues to be addressed promptly, which prevents energy waste and improves your home’s sustainability.
Additionally, regular maintenance increases your HVAC system’s longevity, so you can go longer without needing to replace it.
#4. Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Geothermal systems utilize the temperature of the earth to power your heating and cooling systems. Underground pipes transfer heat between your home and the earth, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature without relying on fossil fuels. With geothermal systems, initial installation costs may be higher, but they provide many benefits, including quieter operation, savings on energy bills, reduced impact on the environment, and a longer lifetime than traditional HVAC systems.
#5. Solar-Powered HVAC Solutions
Solar energy is another way to power your home’s HVAC system without relying on fossil fuels. When generating energy from the sun, you can either store excess electricity or feed it back into the power grid. The initial cost of solar panels can be high, but you will significantly reduce your utility bills, so over the years, they will end up paying for themselves. There are also tax incentives and rebates available in many areas of the United States to further encourage homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint.
#6. Duct Sealing and Insulation
A significant source of energy loss in many homes that often is overlooked is the air ducts. When ducts are improperly sealed or insufficiently insulated, they allow cooled air to escape, which leads to excess energy consumption and decreased comfort in your home. If you suspect your HVAC system may have leaks, contact a certified HVAC technician for a full inspection. They can repair your ducts and add insulation in order to prevent leaks, improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
In addition, proper insulation in your home’s attic and walls, along with modern windows, can prevent indoor air from escaping outdoors and vice versa, reducing strain on your HVAC system and keeping your home the desired temperature.
Improve Your Home’s Sustainability with R&D Heating and Air
The possibilities for creating a greener home are endless. If you are looking to improve your home’s sustainability through eco-friendly HVAC solutions, contact the professionals at R&D Heating and Air. We can tune up, repair, or replace your HVAC system to ensure your home is using energy efficiently and help you reduce your carbon footprint. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!
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