As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start planning 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 potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Schedule a home energy audit
The best way to start your journey to an eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for total 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. Adding more insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can dramatically boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
A leak in your home’s ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To recoup these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
Additionally, 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, 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 perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.
By tackling repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help protect 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 greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, maximizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.
7. Think About Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System
For homeowners ready to take the next step, 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 using less energy.
West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services at (616) 319-1436 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.
