Sustainability in homes and business environments is increasingly becoming a norm. Most homeowners and commercial building owners should constantly look for methods of incorporating sustainable installations into their buildings. Doing this preserves not only the environment but also increases property appeal, value, and ROI. The HVAC system is among the widely used appliances that provide indoor comfort. With the help of Thomas and Galbraith heating and cooling experts, you can make your HVAC system sustainable in the following ways:
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Whether you recently moved into a new home or are living in an old house, scheduling regular maintenance and tune-ups are a step toward making the unit sustainable. Ideally, you should schedule annual maintenance appointments for your heating and air conditioning systems.
This doesn’t mean you should wait until their maintenance dates are due. You should schedule a heating system check-up in early fall or late summer. This ensures the furnace is at its best before winter hits. Similarly, an air conditioner check-up should be done in late winter or early spring to prepare it for hot summer days. You should also call in professionals any time you identify signs the unit needs repair.
Regular maintenance ensures that your HVAC unit runs efficiently throughout the seasons. Inefficient heating and ventilation units consume a lot of energy and require frequent repairs.
2. Change Filters Monthly
HVAC unit filters improve in-drawn air quality to keep occupants healthy. However, they trap dust, dirt, and allergens, which accumulate over time, making them less efficient. Loaded and impacted air filters affect air quality and strains the system, increasing energy consumption.
You should maintain the unit’s smooth operation by regularly cleaning and changing HVAC filters, probably every month, depending on whether your unit has permanent or disposable filters. Environmental activists recommend using permanent filters, as they are reusable and minimize waste.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are the new programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to adjust home heating and cooling easily. Homeowners can also monitor consumer habits and adjust temperature settings remotely. Smart thermostats are powered by AI technology. This enables these devices to learn your heating and cooling habits and make relevant adjustments to HVAC unit usage.
4. Seal System Ducts
HVAC system ducts provide a channel for warmed or cooled air from system components into your property. You should seal these ducts to maintain your HVAC’s integrity and effective functionality. Sealing HVAC system ducts using foil tape, mastic, or any other sealant can improve HVAC efficiency by 20%.
You should also seal possible leaks and drafts in your house. While they appear subtle, they significantly drain your HVAC unit. Drafty doors, poorly insulated attics, and windows diminish HVAC efficiency.
Endnote
With environmental protection increasingly becoming a concern, homeowners and businesses should implement various improvements to make their installations sustainable. Fortunately, modern innovations in the HVAC industry, such as smart technologies and the use of renewable energy, such as geothermal, solar, and hydronic heating, have made it possible to increase HVAC system efficiency while minimizing energy consumption.
