When it comes to heating and cooling your home, it is important to be energy efficient. Being energy efficient is not only cost-effective but is also environmentally friendly. Making smart energy choices is one step towards reducing our footprint and leaving a healthier, happier, cleaner Earth for our descendants.
Sometimes the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly methods of heating and cooling are not readily available options, but even so, there are ways to make the most of what you have already.
Prevent Energy Loss
Energy loss is one of the top strains on your heating and cooling costs, expending tons of energy. Energy loss happens when energy, in this case, heat or cool air, escapes your home by way of air leaks, window and door seals, the ceiling and roof, and more.
The best way to prevent energy loss such as this is to properly weatherize and insulate your home. Weatherstripping around doors and windows can prevent drafts of air from coming in or out of your home. Caulking around the inside and outside of window and door frames can stop air leaks and keep your heating and cooling inside.
Adjust Your Fan Blades
To make the most of your heating and cooling system, you can turn your ceiling fan blades. In the warmer months, turn the fan blades counter-clockwise. This will push the air down on you, creating a cooling effect. In the winter, turn the fan blades clockwise. This will pull the air up to the ceiling, forcing trapped warmer air down into the room.
Make Use of Windows
The windows in your home can help you both heat and cool your home. The window’s ability to be opened and closed, of course, can help you to maintain temperature, but there is more to it than that.
The use of curtains in front of the windows, for example, is a handy tool. In the colder months, if it is very sunny, open the curtains and let the Sun in for some natural warmth. Conversely, if it is cold and not sunny, close the curtains to provide some extra insulation.
Attic Solutions
Roughly 45% of energy loss occurs through the attic and roof. To keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, make sure that your attic is properly insulated and that windows, ducts, and vents are all properly weatherized just like the rest of the house.
Most homes are actually under-insulated. Talk to a professional to see if the thickness and material you have in your attic is adequate. Also, make sure that pipes, wiring, and doors coming down from the attic are properly insulated to prevent further energy loss.
Also look into attic ventilation systems, which can help properly ventilate your attic and also provide significant cooling without running your air conditioning.
There are many brand new Energy Star-rated energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available, but they may not be the most affordable option, depending on your budget of course. Until you are able to take the plunge and truly make your home green, these tips can help you be more environmentally friendly when heating and cooling your home.
