Just what is sustainability, and why does it matter when it comes to your HVAC system?

There’s an official definition. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 

By Anne Fonda

Sustainability is based on the principle that everything we need for our survival, comfort, and well-being depends on our natural environment, either directly or indirectly. To live sustainably means to reduce your negative impact on the environment through pollution and contributing to climate change.

One of the biggest ways you can live more sustainably and help the planet is by reducing your energy consumption. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), on average, your HVAC system accounts for nearly half of your home’s total energy usage.

That’s why energy-efficient HVAC systems are so important. A highly energy-efficient air conditioner will use less energy than one with a lower SEER2 level, for example.

Learn more about HVAC energy efficiency metrics and how choosing the right system can help reduce your carbon footprint, reduce your energy consumption, and save you money on your energy bills.

An air source heat pump paired with an air handler offers one of the most sustainable heating and cooling solutions for your home. This all-electric HVAC system has zero carbon emissions, helping you to reduce your carbon footprint if you switch from a gas furnace to a heat pump.

The electrification movement to all-electric heating and cooling systems is gaining traction. More and more people are discovering that stacking heat pump rebates and heat pump tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 can make a heat pump system more affordable. That’s even before the long-term energy savings kick in.

If living sustainably is a priority for you, you may already get your electricity from a renewable energy source like solar power or wind power. Even if your local electric company uses a coal-fired power source, you may be able to choose your electric supplier and opt for wind power or solar power.

Pro tip: Whatever supplier you choose, opt for a fixed rate so you don’t have any nasty surprises with a rate change.

Explore our Green Guide for more ways to save energy at home.

Newly manufactured heat pumps and air conditioners are more sustainable than those manufactured as recently as 2024. That’s because of a mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at reducing the release of greenhouse gases.

New refrigerant regulations require air conditioners and heat pumps to use a new, lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant than the refrigerants used previously, such as R-22 (Freon®) and R-410A refrigerant.

Trane (and many other HVAC manufacturers) decided to transition to using R-454B refrigerant due to its lower GWP and environmental sustainability.

Learn more about this refrigerant transition.

At Trane, we are committed to sustainability and helping our residential and commercial customers alike reduce their carbon emissions. That’s why we’ve committed to the Gigaton Challenge, the first-of-its-kind climate commitment related to customer product use of any B2B company.

Through this commitment, we've set a goal to reduce one billion metric tons (a gigaton) of greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) from our customer's carbon footprints by 2030. Our math shows that this reduction equates to 2% of the world's annual emissions – or, the annual emissions of Italy, France, and the U.K. combined.

We’re dedicated to innovation and making some of the most energy-efficient HVAC equipment on the market today, from air conditioners to heat pumps to smart thermostats and building automation systems.

In addition, we’re making our manufacturing process itself more sustainable. Trane Technologies works to decarbonize product life cycles from design to manufacturing through end-of-life. Circular strategies such as using recycled materials, repair and reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling all play a meaningful role in our decarbonization efforts and 2030 Sustainability Commitments. You can learn more about all of this in our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report.

If energy efficiency, saving money on your energy bills, and sustainability matter to you, a Trane HVAC system is a perfect fit for your home. Contact your local Trane HVAC dealer to learn about the options for your home.

All of our HVAC units undergo weeks of extreme testing to ensure they are built to last and deliver the energy efficiency you crave. We also offer industry-leading warranties to give you peace of mind.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

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A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Stacie Downie, Sustainability Solutions Marketing Manager