As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are lots of great options, and having so many possible 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. 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. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can provide lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Adequate insulation is an essential, 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, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Installing new or supplemental insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly 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, even with high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and prevent any more wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular 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 dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we can 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 provide homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners eager to upgrade, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while using less energy.
Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Titan Heating & Air Conditioning at 541-286-6617 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.