As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start planning how you can make your homes greener and more efficient. There are more options than ever, and having so many potential solutions ensures there’s one that matches your budget. Investing in eco-friendly HVAC not only benefits the environment but also contributes to bigger 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 book 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 recommending improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how any recommended improvements can offer lasting benefits.

Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency

Adequate insulation is a vital, 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, preventing heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.

Surprisingly, most homes don’t have enough 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 significantly boost energy efficiency for reduced heating and cooling costs.

3. Ductwork Sealing and Insulation Stops Energy Waste

Leaky ductwork is a common, but hidden source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and reduce any wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician inspect ductwork for leaks and seal any openings as securely as possible.

Additionally, insulating the ductwork around unfinished spaces such as attics or crawl spaces reduces 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

Choosing a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, enables homeowners to customize their heating and cooling schedules based on their daily routines and preferences. By gradually optimizing these temperature settings in response to your usage habits, these thermostats also optimize energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access with your tablet or smartphone, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.

5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance

In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is perhaps the most effective decision you can make for optimal 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 run smoothly.

By dealing with repair issues more quickly and keeping internal clean,your technician will help support your HVAC system and may even increase its life span.

6. Use Zoning Systems and Fan Settings for Better Ventilation

Zoning systems and fan settings offer homeowners more room-room-room control over their HVAC systems and indoor air quality. Zoning separates different areas of the home to be heated or cooled independently, improving comfort and energy usage. Meanwhile, even adjusting fan settings can help with providing consistent temperatures in your home while reducing 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 always a great choice. The newest HVAC systems utilize variable-speed motors, heat pump technology, and other innovations to deliver superior performance while requiring less energy.

Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable

Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating at 641-628-3621 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.