Five Sustainable Home HVAC Solutions
As a homeowner, you're likely familiar with a number of "green" or sustainable habits. Whether you recycle, consciously conserve water, or use reusable bags at the grocery store, these routines can not only help the environment, but they can benefit your wallet as well. However, you may be missing one of the biggest opportunities to save energy in your home by not having an efficient HVAC system.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, heating and cooling make up half of the total energy used by the American household. By choosing a high-efficiency Lennox heating or cooling system, you can save on your monthly energy bills, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. You can also take a number of smaller, more routine actions to keep your home properly insulated and running efficiently. Keep reading to see how these sustainable solutions can keep your home comfortable all-year long:
1. Perform Routine Maintenance
One of the best ways to keep your HVAC system operating efficiently is have your Lennox® dealer perform regular maintenance on your system. A well-tuned system should be checked at least once a year, typically before the start of your heating or cooling season. These visits will allow your dealer to make small repairs to keep your system running smoothly. If your heating or cooling system is more than eight years old, your dealer may recommend you replace rather than repair, and upgrade to a more efficient HVAC system that can save you significant money and energy over time. Contact your local Lennox dealer and schedule an efficiency audit for your home today.
2. Move Away from R-22
As of 2020, the United States is no longer producing or importing R-22, a refrigerant commonly known as Freon that is used in residential air conditioners. R-22 has been known to have negative environmental impacts and is harmful to the ozone. Lennox has led the way in manufacturing systems that use the chlorine-free and ozone-friendly R-410A refrigerant, and your local Lennox dealer can provide guidance on how to move forward without it. You can read more on our blog about the R-22 phase out.
3. Inspect & Maintain Your Insulation and Ductwork
Your home's insulation and ductwork may be out of sight, but they shouldn't be out of mind. According to the Insulation Institute, 90% of homes are under-insulated, which can create hot and cold spots in your home causing your heating or cooling system to over-work. The amount of insulation you'll need depends on your climate, type of HVAC system, and the part of the house you plan to insulate; visit the Department of Energy's website to learn how much insulation is recommended for your home. Your ductwork can also sustain leaks or blockages, causing fluctuating temperatures throughout your home. Your Lennox dealer can inspect your ductwork, clean out any blockages and make repairs where air is seeping in and out. These small changes can make a big impact on your family's home comfort.
4. Add on a Smart Thermostat
With all the perks and conveniences of smart thermostats, it's no surprise that homeowners are increasingly integrating them into their homes. By 2024, most homes are predicted to have a smart thermostat, according to IoT Business. A smart thermostat, like the iComfort® smart thermostats from Lennox, works with your HVAC system and your other smart home hubs, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, to learn your routines and preferences, keeping your home perfectly comfortable at any time of day. Contact your Lennox dealer today to find the best smart thermostat for you and your home.
5. Consider Other Home Factors
Don't forget to look at the exterior of your home for opportunities to save energy. Adding landscaping, like shady trees and greenery, can offer valuable shade to your home to help lower the indoor temperatures in the summertime. You should also evaluate your home's windows. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. If you're not ready to upgrade to energy-efficient windows, you can add weatherstripping or caulk to reseal windows and repair leaks. You can also add new window coverings, like blackout curtains or panel covers, to add more shade to your home.
As you evaluate these sustainable solutions for your home, don't hesitate to call your local Lennox dealer for help making your home more energy efficient. Before they arrive, be sure to have your recent energy bills ready to reference and identify spots in your home that you wish were more comfortable. With these tips in-mind, you'll be ready to find a solution that's perfect for your family and the environment.
