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 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. Complete a home energy audit
An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before suggesting improvements. This detailed 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
Adequate insulation is an essential, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while at the same time fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, most homes don’t have enough 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 dramatically enhance energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
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 address these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage 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 especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats can also offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for peak 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 operate efficiently.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will 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 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, improving comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating at 314-262-4541 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.