As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll be impressed by the variety, 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 long-term 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 schedule a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts examine 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 comprehensive evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for total comfort while also fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that lower 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 damage as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork in 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.
4. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in 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 learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help support your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Consider 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 utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while using less energy.
Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning at 405-494-7444 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.
