As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. 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
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess 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 specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how these improvements can provide lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time optimizing energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, 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 such as fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any openings 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
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor 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 can also offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues promptly 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 precise 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. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the actual wear and tear 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while using less energy.
Olde Towne Heating & Air is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Olde Towne Heating & Air at 843-485-0967 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.