As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are lots of great options, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes could use more insulation. Installing new or supplemental insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials such as fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
A leak in your home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
As another benefit, insulating the ductwork around unfinished spaces such as attics or crawl spaces reduces heat transfer into them. Sealing off these inefficient parts of your home is a great example of how a little effort can go a long way.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,your technician will help protect your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings give homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.
Assured Appliance & Heating & Air Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Assured Appliance & Heating & Air at 847-306-8990 to schedule a free consultation for eco-friendly home upgrades.
By implementing these HVAC tips, you can not only reduce your environmental impact but also enjoy a comfortable and more efficient home. We’re proud to make the most of this year’s Earth Day creating a greener future, one household at a time.
