As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity 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. 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
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Having enough insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Adding more 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 improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
A leak in your home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any openings as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables 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 improve 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. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean, you can help support 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 offer homeowners more room-room-room 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 with providing consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the strain 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.
Verona HVAC is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make 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 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.