As Earth Day comes up, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are lots of great options, 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. Request a home energy audit

An easy way to start planning your 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 go over things with you before offering opinionso on the best improvements. This specialized evaluation helps you understand precisely where energy is wasted and how these improvements can bring lasting benefits.

Adding More Insulation Can Boost Home Energy Efficiency

Proper insulation is a crucial, and maybe underrated option for total comfort while also addressing things causing excessive energy use. Insulation functions kind of like a shield for your HVAC system, helping to prevent heat loss in the winter and retaining cool air indoors during the summer.

However, most homes would still benefit from adding more insulation. Adding more insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials like fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can dramatically improve 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 major source of energy loss that can lead to reduced HVAC system efficiency, regardless of high-efficiency equipment. To mitigate these losses and avoid future wasted energy, homeowners should have a technician check ductwork for leaks and seal any gaps or cracks as securely as possible.

As another benefit, 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. Consider the Benefits of a Programmable/Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable thermostat, and especially a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to tailor their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain these temperature settings according to your usage habits, these thermostats improve energy costs and stop waste. Smart thermostats also provide benefits like remote access via mobile devices, or providing helpful notifications for things like maintenance.

5. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance

In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is an essential investment 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 operate efficiently.

By dealing with repair issues promptly 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 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, optimizing comfort and energy usage. And to support the zoning system’s airflow, even adjusting fan settings can help maintain consistent temperatures in your home while lessening the strain on the HVAC system.

7. Think About 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 offer superior performance while requiring less energy.

Watts Electric & AC is Here to Make Your Home More Sustainable

Ready to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven? Contact Watts Electric & AC at 601-736-7362 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.