As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term 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 book a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an 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 recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can provide lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Having enough insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, 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 significantly enhance energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate 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.
Additionally, 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop 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
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments 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 make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard 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 greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates 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. 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.
Appalachian Heating Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Appalachian Heating at 304-707-0600 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 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.