As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year 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 available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes could use more insulation. Adding more 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
A leak in your home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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 according to their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce 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. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help support 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 give homeowners greater 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 lessening the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.
7. Think About 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 utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning at 519-296-4437 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.