As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are more options than ever, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term 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. Over the course of an 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 suggesting improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can provide lasting benefits.

2. Update Your Home's Insulation

Proper insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping cool air indoors during the summer.

However, 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 like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can significantly improve energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.

3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste

Damage to the home’s ductwork is a major source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, even with high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any openings 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.

Trying a Smart Thermostat

Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules according to their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings based on your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats further offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or sending helpful notifications for things like maintenance.

5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance

On the topic of maintenance, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment you can make for optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Homeowners should arrange for routine tune-ups with local professionals, who can conduct inspections, filter changes, and other tasks to make sure their HVAC systems run smoothly.

By addressing repair issues promptly and keeping internal clean, you can help safeguard your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.

6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation

Zoning systems and fan settings give homeowners greater 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. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain 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 looking for major improvements, installing a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is an excellent option. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.

AC Sales is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable

Eager to make your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact AC Sales at (337) 234-2345 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 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.