As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. During the 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 suggesting improvements. This specialized 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 a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Adding more 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 enhance energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any openings as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces minimizes 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 tailor 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 further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help safeguard your HVAC system and may even increase 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 separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing 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 lessening the strain 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 highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.
Pratt Brothers is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Pratt Brothers at 920-347-8495 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 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.