As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll be impressed by the variety, 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 bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes don’t have enough insulation. Installing new or supplemental insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials such as fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly improve 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 waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more 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 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and minimize 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 one of the most beneficial investments you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help protect your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, maximizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at 804-302-6657 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 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.