As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are more options than ever, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that matches your 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
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time optimizing energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes don’t have enough insulation. Incorporating additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any openings as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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 particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By dealing with repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean,your technician will 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 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 with providing consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make 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 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.