As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. There are more options than ever, 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 cost 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 schedule a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts evaluate 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 our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes could use more insulation. Incorporating additional 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 enhance 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, 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.
If that wasn’t good enough, 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. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Choosing 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 improve energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or sending 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 ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean,we can help support your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings give homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables 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 minimizing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Think About 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 offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning at 402-509-5940 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.