As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Request 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. During the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is a crucial, and maybe underrated option for total comfort while simultaneously fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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 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, 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.
As another benefit, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces minimizes 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, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats can also offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine 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 arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean,we can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows 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 keep consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the actual wear and tear 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-452-4146 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 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.