As Earth Day comes up, it's a great opportunity to start planning how you can make your homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. There are lots of great options, and having so many possible solutions ensures there’s one that fits every budget. Adopting greener HVAC solutions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Schedule a home energy audit

One of the first steps towards an eco-friendly HVAC system is to request a professional home energy audit. Over the course of an audit, local HVAC experts examine your home's energy usage and note any inefficiencies. They’ll take what they find and discuss things with you before suggesting improvements. This detailed evaluation helps you figure out where energy is wasted and how these improvements can bring lasting benefits.

2. Boosting Energy Efficiency Through Insulation

Having enough insulation is a crucial, if surprisingly underrated option for full-spectrum comfort while simultaneously fine-tuning your home’s average energy use. Insulation strengthens your home’s temperature barrier, preventing heat loss in the winter and holding cool air indoors during the summer.

However, most homes don’t have enough insulation. Installing new or supplemental insulation to attics, walls, floors and basements is the usual strategy. Using high-quality insulation materials such as fiberglass, spray foam or cellulose can dramatically enhance energy efficiency for reduced 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, despite having 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.

If that wasn’t good enough, 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

Choosing a programmable thermostat, and particularly a smart thermostat, allows homeowners to personalize their heating and cooling schedules in line with their daily routines and preferences. By learning how to maintain thes