As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start thinking about how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are lots of great options, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every 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 book a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding 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 greatly enhance energy efficiency for reduced 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 lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any damage 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. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats can also offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean, you can help protect 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 enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the actual wear and tear 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while using less energy.
Farnell Mechanical, Inc. is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Farnell Mechanical, Inc. at 334-524-2458 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.