As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, 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 long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Adding more insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials such as fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can dramatically improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
Additionally, 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 tailor their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By dealing with repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help protect your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the strain|workload|actual wear and tear} on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners ready to take the next step, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while consuming 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 reduce not only 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.
