As we approach Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Request 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. During the audit, local HVAC experts assess 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 figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while at the same time addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
However, 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Leaky ductwork is a major source of energy loss that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces helps prevent 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 particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings based on 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. Stay on Top of Routine 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 plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues more quickly 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 more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners ready to take the next step, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while consuming less energy.
Knoechel Heating is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Knoechel Heating at 724-425-5852 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.