As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how these improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Adequate insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while also addressing things causing excessive 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.
However, most homes would still benefit from adding 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 greatly enhance energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future 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 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats can also 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 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 addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help support 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 greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while reducing 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while consuming less energy.
Pliescott HVAC Services LLC Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Pliescott HVAC Services LLC at 410-228-4822 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.