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. There are lots of great options, 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 cost 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 schedule a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before suggesting improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can provide lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Adequate insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Incorporating additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly 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 common, but hidden source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any damage 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize 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 reduce energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, 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 one of the most beneficial investments 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 make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we can help support your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings give 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, improving 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 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while using less energy.
Kilbourne Heating & AC Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Kilbourne Heating & AC at 561-287-7071 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 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.