As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. 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. Schedule a home energy audit
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. During 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 offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can provide lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Adequate insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, most homes could use more insulation. Incorporating additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate 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.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork in 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
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats can also 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 an essential investment 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 dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we 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 allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners ready to take the next step, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy.
Myers Furnace Company Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Myers Furnace Company at 816-249-1619 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.