To Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly, Try These Six HVAC Tips

As we get closer to Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. You’ll be impressed by the variety, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in high efficiency HVAC systems not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Complete 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 identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can bring lasting benefits.

2. Update Your Home's Insulation

Adequate insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while also fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.

Unfortunately, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Installing new or supplemental insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials such as 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

Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.

Additionally, insulating the ductwork in spaces such as attics or crawl spaces helps prevent 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, enables homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or sending 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 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 ensure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.

By dealing with repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,your technician will help protect your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.

6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation

Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning enables different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the actual wear and tear on the HVAC system.

7. Consider Upgrading to a New, High-Efficiency HVAC System

For homeowners ready to take the next step, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.

Classic Air Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable

Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Classic Air at 614-210-3041 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 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.