As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start thinking about 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 possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your 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 offering opinionso on the best improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while also fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Installing new or supplemental 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 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 inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork around unfinished 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce 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
In fact, 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 function seamlessly.
By tackling 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 give homeowners more precise 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 maintain consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Think About 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 provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc at 602-789-3315 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 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.