As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year to start thinking about how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. You’ll be impressed by the variety, 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 cost 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 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 discuss things with you before suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and keeping 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 dramatically improve 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 loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork around unfinished 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and minimize 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
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help support 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 give homeowners greater 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. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while reducing 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.
Luikart Heating & Cooling Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Luikart Heating & Cooling at 740-344-5497 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 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.