As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are more options than ever, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Request a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and look for 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 figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while simultaneously addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes don’t have enough insulation. Adding more insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
A leak in your 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 avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, 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.
4. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and minimize 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
In fact, 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 run smoothly.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving 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 reducing the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners eager to upgrade, 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 offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Lakeside Heating & Air Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Lakeside Heating & Air at 509-284-4265 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.
