As Earth Day comes up, it's the right time of year 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 fits every budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Complete 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 examine your home's energy usage and identify any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and review things with you before suggesting improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you learn just where energy is wasted and how our proposed improvements can bring lasting benefits.

Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency

Having enough insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while also fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature 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. 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 boost energy efficiency for lower heating and cooling costs.

3. Seal and Insulate Your Ductwork to Prevent Energy Loss

Leaky ductwork is an often overlooked source of energy waste that lower HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician examine 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 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.

Trying a Smart Thermostat

Opting for a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By automatically adjusting these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats reduce energy costs and cut down on waste. Smart thermostats can also offer benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.

5. Prioritize Regular HVAC Maintenance

In fact, 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 ensure their HVAC systems operate efficiently.

By dealing with repair issues right away and keeping internal clean,we can help support your HVAC system and may even prolong its life span.

6. Leverage Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Enhanced Ventilation

Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners greater control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning allows 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 with providing consistent temperatures in your home while minimizing the workload 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems feature variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to offer superior performance while using less energy.

AC Sales Can Help Your Home Be More Sustainable

Looking to turn 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 reduce not only your environmental impact but also enjoy a cleaner 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.