As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are lots of great options, 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. Complete 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. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average 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. Incorporating additional 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 boost energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
A leak in your home’s ductwork is a major source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and prevent any more 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 reduces 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 customize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help support 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 give 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, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Think About 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 provide superior performance while consuming less energy.
J & J Air Conditioning Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact J & J Air Conditioning at 254-355-3833 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.
