As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many available 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. Request 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. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, 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 dramatically improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further 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
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments 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 make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we can help support 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 provide homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows 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 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.
AW Heating & Air Conditioning is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact AW Heating & Air Conditioning at 402-438-7992 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.
