As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions 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 schedule a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total 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 keeping 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 enhance energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats can also offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean, you can help protect your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, maximizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the workload 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. at 614-879-9091 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 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.