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. There are more options than ever, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term 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 note 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.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Surprisingly, most homes could use more insulation. Incorporating additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly enhance energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork around unfinished spaces such as attics or crawl spaces minimizes 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
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings in response 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 delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment 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 make sure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By addressing repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings offer 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, improving comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain 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 utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while requiring less energy.
Gilray Heating and Cooling is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Gilray Heating and Cooling at 715-301-0727 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.