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

As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year to start thinking about how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many available solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Schedule a home energy audit

An easy way to start planning your eco-friendly HVAC system is to schedule a professional home energy audit. As part of the audit, local HVAC experts assess your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and go over things with you before suggesting improvements. This comprehensive evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can provide lasting benefits.

Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency

Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for total 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, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.

However, 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 significantly improve 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 a major source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, despite having 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 around unfinished 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, 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 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 more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will 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 offer homeowners more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help keep consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the strain on the HVAC system.

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

For homeowners looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems employ variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while consuming less energy.

B & G HVAC is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable

Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact B & G HVAC at 641-316-3360 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.