As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year 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 potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger 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 schedule a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and keeping 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 boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Damage to the home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine 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 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
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 automatically adjusting these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for ideal 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 dealing with repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners more precise 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 minimizing the actual wear and tear 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
PS Cool Heat Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact PS Cool Heat at 720-613-2210 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 cleaner 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.
