As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term 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 note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Adequate insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, most homes could use 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 dramatically boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and avoid future 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
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats also provide 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
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct 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 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 separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the workload 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while consuming less energy.
ACS Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact ACS Heating and Air Conditioning at 770-450-1539 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 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.
