As we approach Earth Day, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes how you can work towards a more sustainable home. There are more options than ever, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions 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. During the audit, local HVAC experts evaluate your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can offer lasting benefits.
Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency
Adequate insulation is a vital, and maybe underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also optimizing energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, working to stop heat loss in the winter and keeping 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can greatly enhance energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.
3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste
A leak in your home’s ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy waste that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any damage as securely as possible.
If that wasn’t good enough, 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings based on 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 delivering helpful notifications for things like maintenance.
5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to ensure their HVAC systems function seamlessly.
By tackling repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,we can help support 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 give homeowners more precise control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning creates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while reducing 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 highly recommended. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to provide superior performance while requiring less energy.
Brandywine Heating & Air Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable
Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Brandywine Heating & Air at 302-261-3596 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.