As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start thinking about 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 matches your budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems 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 schedule a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Leaky ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks 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.
4. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize 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 improve energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, 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 conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can 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 more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, maximizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.
Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc at 877-389-2465 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 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.
