As we approach 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. There are lots of great options, 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 bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Adequate insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while simultaneously fine-tuning your home’s average 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. 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 dramatically improve energy efficiency for lower 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 address these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any openings as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in 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.
4. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or delivering 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 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 addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving 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 minimizing the strain 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.
Verona HVAC Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Verona HVAC at 818-306-3387 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.