AARP Hearing Center
PHOTO CREDIT: Trane
As temperatures rise in the summer, staying cool often becomes a choice between comfort and higher energy bills. And when winter arrives, relying on extra layers isn’t exactly efficient either. But the right upgrades can help you avoid both extremes.
The good news is that with a few strategic investments, like upgrading your HVAC system, homeowners can reduce energy use, lower long-term costs, and enjoy a more comfortable home year-round.
Improve Your Home’s Insulation and Air Sealing
This single step increases energy efficiency and comfort. Like your favorite insulated travel mug with a loose lid, if your home has gaps, the interior temperature quickly adjusts to the outdoors.
Start by sealing common areas. Caulk window frames, replace weather-stripping, and use expanding foam sealant around pipes or outlets. Next, shore up your home’s insulation, starting with the attic and working your way down. You’ll see an immediate improvement in energy efficiency, and you’ll also feel more comfortable in your home.
Install High-Efficiency Electrical Alternatives
If your home runs on propane, natural gas, or oil, upgrading to an electric heat pump will offer a cleaner, more efficient energy source. Consider swapping your traditional gas range for an induction cooktop, which is faster than gas, safer, and easier to clean. The gas water heater in your basement could be replaced by a heat pump water heater. As a bonus, if you ever install solar panels, you’ll be able to power your entire home using just the sun.
Improve Water Efficiency
Gone are the days of timing your showers to save water. Now you can improve water efficiency and still keep your daily habits by installing low-flow fixtures. Modern showerheads use advanced engineering to create strong water pressure, while faucet aerators reduce water waste during hand washing or teeth brushing.
Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck: Upgrade to a Heat Pump
For the biggest impact on home energy efficiency and comfort, upgrade to an electric heat pump. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature yearround. Many high efficiency models, including advanced systems from Trane, continue performing even as temperatures drop to 0°F.
PHOTO CREDIT: Trane
How Trane Helps Build a More Comfortable, Eco-Friendly Home
Trane systems, like the 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Heat Pump With WeatherGuard™, adapt to your lifestyle, maximizing your personal comfort and your home’s energy efficiency. When paired with a smart thermostat, like the Trane® LINK UX360 Thermostat, you gain complete, confident control over temperatures and schedules. Over time, Trane systems learn your patterns for a smart home that feels just right. Integrated Trane Diagnostics can also help identify potential issues before they become major headaches, saving you time, money, and effort.
With the help of an electric heat pump system and other smart upgrades, today’s homeowners can have it all: sustainable appliances, long-term savings, and, above all else, comfort.
