As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning 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 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. Complete 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 assess your home's energy usage and note 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 any recommended improvements can provide lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and retaining 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly enhance 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, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check 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 particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By addressing repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,your technician will help safeguard your HVAC system and may even increase 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, maximizing 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 reducing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners eager to upgrade, 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 provide superior performance while using less energy.
Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning at 308-624-3485 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 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.