Practical and Efficient Methods For Home Heating And Cooling
Many want to feel comfortable in their homes, but you can save energy and money if they are too hot or cold. That’s why it’s so important to heat and cool your home effectively and efficiently.
Heating and cooling systems can be either central or space-based. Choosing which approach works best for your home depends on your lifestyle and the rooms you use most.
Air Conditioner
One of the essential methods for properly and efficiently heating and cooling your home is air conditioning. It can also be costly to run, so choosing a system that is the right size for your home is essential.
There are three main residential air conditioning systems types: split-system, packaged and ductless. Each has its specialized uses and benefits, but all can provide cooling in your home with the aid of HVAC companies like GoGreen.
A split system consists of two components – an indoor unit mounted on the wall and an outdoor unit. This type is a good choice for heating only a few rooms at a time but is less effective in cooling the entire house.
Insulation
Insulation is the material that is used to block heat from escaping your home in the winter and cooling it during the summer. Attic and wall insulation can save energy costs and improve the comfort of your house.
Insulation can also help with soundproofing and noise pollution. It will muffle sounds that travel from room to room, making it a more peaceful environment for you and your family.
As more homeowners focus on the societal impact of the materials they use in their homes, there is a greater emphasis on choosing energy-efficient, responsibly sourced products, minimizing waste and reducing pollution. Investing in good quality insulation will help your home become more environmentally friendly and increase its value for resale.
Windows
Choosing windows that promote HVAC efficiency is essential. These windows will help reduce your energy bill and add value to your home.
Windows transfer heat through conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. U-values and R-values tell you how well a window resists these forces.
NFRC-certified windows undergo independent third-party testing to ensure the entire window unit performs as computer simulations predict. Physical test values must fall within 10% of the simulated U-values to earn NFRC certification.
Roof
The roof is the first protection against your home’s winter chill and summer heat. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic help keep your home’s temperature stable without spiking energy bills.
Insulation comes in many forms, from high-tech home foam, cellulose and even simple options such as fiberglass or cotton batting.
Another way to cool your home is to choose lighter colors for roofs and walls to reflect more sunlight away from your house. It can also reduce waste heat from lighting, refrigerators, washers and dryers.
Doors
While windows may receive the most attention, doors also play an essential role in energy efficiency. They must seal tightly to keep drafts out and have some insulative value to prevent cold air from entering the house.
If you want to upgrade your home’s exterior, consider replacing your old doors with ENERGY STAR(r) certified ones. They must meet strict EPA criteria for energy efficiency to earn the label. They also should have a U-factor and R-value that help with energy efficiency.
Furnace
A furnace is an integral part of any home heating system. It can heat the air in a single room and then distribute that hot air throughout your home via ductwork and vents.
There are many different furnaces, including gas-powered and electric options. Choosing the right one for your home is essential because it will impact your system’s overall efficiency and performance. In addition to being able to help your home stay warm during the winter, your furnace is also an excellent way to save on energy costs. An 80% efficient furnace can save you 16 cents per kilowatt hour of energy, substantially saving over time.
