How to Create a Healthy, Comfortable, and Energy-Efficient Home Environment
In order to create a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home environment, there are a variety of steps that can be taken. Homeowners that schedule regular inspections and maintenance appointments, for instance, are able to do their best to ensure that their home’s air quality and energy-efficiency are at optimum levels. Furthermore, when homeowners schedule these appointments on a consistent basis, their contractor will be able to take care of minor repairs and determine whether there are any potential issues that might need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Ensure Your HVAC System Is in Optimal Working Order
Homes with HVAC systems need to have regular maintenance inspections in order to ensure that they are operating efficiently. Experts recommend that these inspections should be conducted two times a year. This is because contaminants and air pollutants enter these systems and are then re-circulated between five-to-seven times every day. Since the dander, dust, and chemicals that are pulled into these systems will build up over time, this affects the duct work. As a result, this can cause potential health issues for residents because these particles are released into or remain in the air due to this build-up.
The U.S. Department of Energy reported that when contaminants build up that it also causes the HVAC system to work harder, As a result, an HVAC unit’s energy efficiency is reduced by 25% to 40%. The energy that is required to either heat or cool a home is wasted as a result. If a house has an older system that requires HVAC repair on a regular basis, there are high-efficiency models available that offer peak performance when well-maintained.
Ensure Your Home Is Properly Insulated
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program, insulation does make a difference in a home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency. Furthermore, when homeowners make sure that their house is properly insulated, they can potentially reduce their monthly energy bills. This includes sealing air leaks, attics, poorly-seated windows and doors, as well as other areas throughout the home. Recent data shows that a homeowner’s monthly energy bills may be reduced by as much as 20%.
Contact an HVAC Repair Contractor for a Home Inspection
Have you noticed that your indoor air quality isn’t what it could be? Have you also noticed that you have high utility bills and continue to experience hot or cold spots throughout your home? If you’re concerned about these or other issues, it would be a good idea to have an HVAC repair contractor come to your home for an inspection.
In addition to ensuring that your HVAC system is in optimal working condition, your contractor can also conduct a home energy audit. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, for example, recommendations will likely include having spray foam insulation installed. This can make a significant difference in controlling your home’s overall temperature and reducing energy usage and costs.