As we approach Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Request a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and retaining 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can dramatically boost energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces helps prevent 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. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize 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 further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
On the topic 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 operate efficiently.
By addressing repair issues promptly 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 greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the 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 employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy.
Better Air Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Better Air at 507-663-1208 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 cleaner 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.