As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity 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 possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost 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 assess your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before suggesting improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Adequate insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining 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 greatly enhance 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 avoid future 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for 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, you can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners more precise 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. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while reducing 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while consuming less energy.
B&D Air Conditioning Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact B&D Air Conditioning at 928-432-6018 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.