As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are lots of great options, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC 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 request a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess 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 understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Adequate insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes could use more insulation. Installing new or supplemental insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly enhance energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To recoup 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.
As another benefit, insulating the ductwork in 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
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats also provide 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 an essential investment you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Think About 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.
Strine's Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make 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 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.