As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term 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 request a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before suggesting improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is a vital, 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 retaining 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 significantly enhance energy efficiency for lower 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 loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve 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. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By dealing with repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,your technician will help safeguard 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 more precise 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. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the workload 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 highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.
Strine's Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Strine's at 717-383-4479 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 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.