As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards 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 go over things with you before suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how these improvements can provide lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Proper insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for total comfort while at the same time optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes don’t have enough 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 greatly enhance energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
Additionally, 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. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats can also 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
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for optimal 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 tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help protect your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings give homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy.
Northwest Services is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Northwest Services at 419-548-5017 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.