As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the right time of year to start thinking about how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, 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 cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss 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.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes don’t have enough insulation. Incorporating additional 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 improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any openings as securely as possible.
As another benefit, insulating the ductwork around unfinished 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
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 learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and minimize waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, 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 peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues promptly 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 give homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates 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 keep 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Northern Comfort Inc Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Northern Comfort Inc at 507-387-6596 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.
