As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are more options than ever, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost 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 request a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average 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. Incorporating additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can dramatically improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
A leak in your home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any openings 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.
4. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule 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 right away and keeping internal clean,we can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates 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 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 utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.
Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning at 630-313-2509 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 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.