How to Go Green and Save Energy Money at Home
To reduce energy usage, prioritize HVAC system checks as it's the home's largest energy consumer, despite challenges in embracing eco-friendly living in heating and cooling practices.
Going green, being eco-friendly, and green building are common ideas that have been trending for several years now. Most people recognize the need to be as ecologically conscious as possible to limit their carbon footprint. However, actually living a more earth-focused life is easier said than done. When it comes to heating and cooling a home, there really is nothing alluring about going green. Nevertheless, if one is to truly strive to reduce energy usage, the HVAC system should be the first place to check, as it is typically the home's biggest source of energy usage.
Different Ways to Go Green
Replacing an existing HVAC system can be costly and is often considered a luxury if it does not need replacement. Once it is time for a new HVAC unit, there are numerous eco-friendly systems on the market that can help utilize less energy and be more efficient. One place to start is by checking out Energy Star systems.
In addition to replacing an HVAC unit, several other steps can be taken to help minimize a home's energy usage. Testing the amount of insulation in the home, the condition of the windows, and the use of floor coverings can significantly aid in reducing energy consumption. Poor insulation can impact the performance of an HVAC unit by as much as 30%. Insulating ductwork is essential. Any ductwork in attics, crawlspaces, and garages needs to be completely insulated. It is crucial to ensure there are no cracks in the ductwork, as the average home loses about 20% of airflow through duct cracks. Using a programmable thermostat helps save on monthly electric bills. Energy experts recommend a winter setting of 69 degrees and a summer setting of 78 degrees. For cold nights, lowering it to 55 degrees is suggested.
How to Make a Whole-House Plan
To develop a comprehensive home plan, consider the following areas:
Heating and Cooling Units, Ductwork, Lighting, Insulation, Air Sealing and Weatherization, Windows, Skylights, and Exterior Doors, Hot Water Systems, Interior Walls and Ceilings, Air Cleaning, and Exterior Finishes.
Utilizing natural ventilation is effective in cooling a home. Using ceiling fans, window fans, whole-house fans (like an attic fan), and opening windows at night when the air outside is cooler than inside, are great low-cost solutions. However, running whole-house fans for extended periods can counteract the goal of lowering energy bills. Additionally, if pollen and dust are concerns, this may not be the most effective strategy. They do, however, quickly pull warm air out of a home.
Without using solar panels, passive solar cooling can be tapped into by planting deciduous trees on the south, east, and west sides of the home to provide shade during the summer and allow sunlight in during the winter. Planting evergreen trees on the north side helps shield from winter winds. During the summer, keeping window drapes or blinds shut on south and west-facing windows helps keep the home cooler. In the winter, opening the curtains allows the sun's warmth to heat the home, but it's important to close them at night to keep the cold air out.
Consider using stick-on weather stripping to seal cracks around windows or doors and installing a rubber flap at the bottom of exterior doors to form a tight seal when the door is shut, reducing the need for HVAC usage.
For lighting, using controls can reduce electricity use by automatically turning off lights when not in use through motion sensors, timers, dimmers, or photosensors. It's beneficial to use the most energy-efficient bulbs and fixtures available. If possible, utilize natural light through windows during the day. Light-colored paint on interior walls helps reflect sunlight. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and generally last much longer. They also emit less heat, which helps cool the home and reduces reliance on the HVAC system.
For exterior home finishes, materials like stucco, concrete, brick, steel, fiber-cement, and aluminum are preferred due to their durability and minimal maintenance needs compared to natural wood, which requires more upkeep and expense.
Artic Energy is a professional heating and cooling service in Houston, TX. We provide HVAC installation, air purifier installations, filter replacement and maintenance services, repair maintenance, energy-efficient solutions and seamless installations.
