As Earth Day comes up, 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 available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Request a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while at the same time addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, most homes could use more 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 dramatically boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork around unfinished spaces such as attics or crawl spaces reduces 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, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize 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
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help support 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 give homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates 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 minimizing the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Consider 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 employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while using less energy.
Dave's Diversified Services Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Dave's Diversified Services at 540-636-3396 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.