As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, 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. Complete a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. As part of 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 offering opinionso on the best improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can provide lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for total comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, 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 such as fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly enhance energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and prevent any more 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 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
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further 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
In fact, 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 conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help safeguard 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 give 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, optimizing 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 workload on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while using less energy.
Bell Air Conditioning Inc is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Bell Air Conditioning Inc at 254-307-9572 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 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.