As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger 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 request a professional home energy audit. During the audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before suggesting improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Adequate insulation is an essential, and maybe underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while simultaneously optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, most homes could use 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 dramatically improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
A leak in your home’s ductwork is a major source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
Additionally, insulating the ductwork in 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.
Trying a Smart Thermostat
Opting for 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 automatically adjusting these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
And speaking of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should plan routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can carry out inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By dealing with repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard 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 give homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates 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 lessening the actual wear and tear 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
JBR Mechanical is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact JBR Mechanical at 812-266-9785 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 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.