As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that matches your 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
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how these improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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 significantly boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Leaky ductwork is a major source of energy loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To address 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 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
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments 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 operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues promptly 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 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, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the strain 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while using less energy.
Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. at 862-345-6896 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 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.
