As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start thinking about 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 potential solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term 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 book a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Proper insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time 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 could use more insulation. Installing new or supplemental 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 reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden 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 examine 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 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
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and cut down on 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 perhaps the most effective decision 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 ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By tackling repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help support your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows 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 keep consistent temperatures in your home while lessening 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 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.
Halverson Brothers Inc is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Halverson Brothers Inc at 715-352-4052 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 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.
