As we approach Earth Day, it's the perfect time 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 available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Request 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 evaluate your home's energy usage and look for any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before recommending improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.
2. Update Your Home's Insulation
Adequate insulation is a vital, if surprisingly underrated option for a complete sense of comfort while at the same time 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 retaining cool air indoors during the summer.
However, most homes don’t have enough 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 improve energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.
3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss
Leaky ductwork is a major source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine ductwork for leaks and seal any openings 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
Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats can also 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 an essential investment you can make for ideal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can perform inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,we can help protect your HVAC system and may even extend its life span.
6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation
Zoning systems and fan settings provide homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving 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 lessening 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 an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while consuming less energy.
MPC Heating & Cooling is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact MPC Heating & Cooling at 308-832-4321 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 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.