As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many potential 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 request a professional home energy audit. As part of 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 offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes could use 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 dramatically 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 lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork around unfinished 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings in response 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 providing 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 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 promptly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help protect 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 offer homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows 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 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 looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while consuming less energy.
Childress Heating & AC Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Childress Heating & AC at 540-675-4306 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 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.