As we get closer to Earth Day, 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. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger 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 book a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before suggesting improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes don’t have enough 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 significantly improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in 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. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in 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 based on your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize 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
On the topic 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 carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By tackling repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we 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 separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, maximizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep 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 eager to upgrade, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while consuming less energy.
Bell Mechanical Services Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Bell Mechanical Services at 888-863-0560 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 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.