As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are more options than ever, 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 bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Having enough insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while simultaneously 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 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 greatly enhance energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
A leak in your 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 recoup these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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 personalize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats can also 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 an essential investment you can make for optimal 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 ensure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep 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 looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Bain Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Bain Heating & Air Conditioning at 256-270-1196 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.
