As we approach Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. 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 bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule 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 identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly 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 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.
If that wasn’t good enough, 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.
4. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially 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 according to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,your technician will help protect your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows 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 maintain consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while consuming less energy.
Anderson Heating & A/C Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Anderson Heating & A/C at 775-230-7628 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.