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Recent increases in extreme weather affect not only time spent outdoors but the quality of our indoor environments, as well. From wildfire season with smoky conditions to higher temperatures and unexpected blackouts during freezing temps, this new reality is compelling homeowners to prepare their homes for these extreme events.
One way homeowners can prepare for extreme weather and climate events is to make sure they have a reliable and well-maintained HVAC system in place. While it can be difficult to predict when climate-related issues may materialize, an HVAC system—one that can maintain inside temperatures, withstand harsh weather, and provide filtration to improve air quality—is one way to be ready for anything.
Improve Indoor Air Quality During Fire Season
People spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor air quality can be affected by smoky conditions caused by wildfires. Being mindful of how a home’s air is filtered is important to consider year-round and especially crucial during fire season.
Cleaner air begins with preventative maintenance of the HVAC system and changing a disposable filter or cleaning a reusable one every 30 to 90 days. Do it more frequently if you live in an area affected by wildfire smoke, if pets are in the home, or if someone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies. If remembering when to change them or what size you need is an issue, the Trane Home mobile app offers filter reminders, and can ship one to your door or provide an ongoing subscription.
A next-level option to consider is adding a whole home air cleaner that can help remove pollutants. For example, Trane CleanEffects® Whole Home Air Cleaner removes up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it up to eight times more effective than top HEPA filters and up to 100 times more effective than a 1-inch disposable filter. It can help reduce common asthma and allergy triggers like dust, pollen, pet hair, dander, and tobacco smoke, and it can also reduce some bacteria and viruses.
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Stay Comfortable in Extreme Weather With a Heat Pump
Owners of decades-old homes built when indoor temperature control was less necessary may find themselves in need of a new, trustworthy solution for heating and cooling.
Homeowners should consider one that can withstand increased demand during periods of stress—extremely hot or cold days—to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. For example, it’s important to keep interior temperatures at or above 64 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to maintain an enjoyable climate and avoid expensive issues like frozen or burst pipes.
A better choice for a more efficient and environmentally friendly system is a heat pump—a powerhouse of modern HVAC not as widely known as an air conditioner or furnace. A heat pump is an electric heating and cooling system that moves heat in or out of the home to reach a comfortable home temperature. When it’s cold outside, a heat pump pulls heat from the outside air and transfers it inside. When it’s warm outside, it removes heat from the inside air and transfers it out.
Plus, Heat Pumps Excel in Cold Weather
There’s a common misconception that heat pumps aren’t as effective in cooler climates. Trane’s advanced heat pump technology is designed to operate temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit without compromising comfort or energy efficiency. Plus, each of its systems is tested to withstand harsh conditions—for example, they test freezing temperatures at the company’s System Extreme Environmental Test (SEET) lab and examine what happens with 5 inches of water per hour in its Climate Chamber.
For extremely cold environments, a heat pump can be paired with a more efficient gas furnace like Trane’s 97 Two-Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace for extra confidence. With its 97 percent AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, this Trane furnace delivers just the right amount of heat and helps reduce energy use. AFUE indicates the percentage of consumed fuel that is turned into heat.
High Efficiency Means Higher Savings
Going all electric with a heat pump can be up to 300 to 400 percent more efficient because it moves heat rather than generating it like a furnace. That means it can deliver up to four times more heat energy than electrical energy consumed. By using electricity, rather than natural gas, a heat pump like the Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
By pairing a heat pump with the Trane® LINK UX360 smart thermostat and Trane Home app, it’s possible to gain up to an additional five percent in energy savings. This innovative technology lets homeowners control their system from anywhere, work with their HVAC pro to run diagnostics to find and fix problems quickly, set heating and cooling schedules, check air quality and humidity, and zero in on energy-saving opportunities that can also save them money.
Due to the energy and environmental benefits of higher-efficiency HVAC equipment like electric heat pumps, the Inflation Reduction Act included provisions to encourage adoption by providing tax credits and rebates for purchases. The Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit gives up to $2,000 for qualified heat pumps, and up to $600 for qualified air conditioners and furnaces.
As climate challenges intensify, the role of efficient and resilient HVAC systems is becoming indispensable to protect homes from possible impacts. Through its suite of products, Trane offers solutions for creating safer and more comfortable environments no matter the weather outside.
