As we approach Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are more options than ever, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost 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 book a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before suggesting improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how these improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Having enough 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, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes could use more insulation. Adding more insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly 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 common, but hidden source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces helps prevent 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and especially 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 according to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats can also 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 an essential investment you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help support your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners eager to upgrade, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Premium Air Services LLC is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Premium Air Services LLC at 713-364-9957 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.