As we approach Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Complete a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your 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 offering opinionso on the best improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how these improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is a crucial, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Adding more 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. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, insulating the ductwork around unfinished 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
Investing in 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 learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access via mobile devices, 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 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,your technician will help support your HVAC system and may even increase 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 enables 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 maintain consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while consuming less energy.
Brookwood Inc is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Brookwood Inc at 641-316-9803 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.
