As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. You’ll be impressed by the variety, 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. Request a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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 significantly improve 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 waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
As another benefit, insulating the ductwork around unfinished spaces such as attics or crawl spaces minimizes 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.
4. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help support 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. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain|workload|actual wear and tear} on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners eager to upgrade, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.
Air Temperature Control Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Air Temperature Control at 478-202-3170 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 more 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.