As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. There are more options than ever, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions 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 book a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can provide lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Having enough insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes would still benefit from adding more 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 greatly enhance energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy loss 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 examine ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork around unfinished 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, 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 make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By tackling repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help support your HVAC system and may even extend 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 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 keep consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the strain 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 deliver superior performance while consuming less energy.
Kapaun & Brown is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Kapaun & Brown at 641-812-2028 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 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.