As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete 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 note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes don’t have enough 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 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 can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting 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 with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help protect 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 provide homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates 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 maintain consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners eager to upgrade, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy.
Just Right Heating and Cooling Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Just Right Heating and Cooling at 513-392-4969 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.
