As we get closer to Earth Day, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many potential 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. Complete a home energy audit
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to book a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely 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 addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly 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 loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To address these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any damage 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
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats improve 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 an essential investment you can make for ideal 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 function seamlessly.
By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,we can 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 provide homeowners more precise 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. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while reducing the workload on the HVAC system.
7. Think About 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 utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Select Comfort Systems is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Select Comfort Systems at 801-305-4777 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.
