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 lots of great options, 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 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 request a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate 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 detailed evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation
Having enough insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.
Unfortunately, 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 greatly improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Damage to the 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 recoup these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.
As another benefit, 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.
4. Investing in a Smart Thermostat
Choosing a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats can also offer benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for peak system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems run smoothly.
By addressing repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help protect 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 offer 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. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help keep 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 feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.
Mayeuxs AC & Heating is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Looking to turn your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Mayeuxs AC & Heating at (985) 764-2426 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 more 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.
