The energy-efficient home involves all systems working together. Your heating and cooling systems use about half of your power annually, and focusing on maximum performance at minimum cost is part of the whole-house concept.
There are six interdependent steps listed by the University of Florida Build Green project that apply to people living in the United States and Canada who experience hot, often humid summers and cold winters. This includes the Dayton area and other parts of Ohio and the Midwest.
Sealing your home. Start with checking for cracks in your home’s outer envelope and attic floor, including around doors and windows. Windows should be sealed when they close and doors should hang straight. Weatherstripping can be used to seal doors and window sashes, caulk and spray foam for many other gaps and cracks in your home’s outer envelope.
Inspect ducts. Check your ductwork for leaks at seams and joints. Escaping conditioned air costs money and puts a strain on the air conditioner, heat pump or furnace that have to compensate for the lost air. Make sure duct sections that run through unconditioned areas are insulated.
Insulate. Install insulation material in the your attic and crawl spaces to keep heat from escaping in the winter and infiltrating in the summer. Heat rises, so adequate insulation in the attic will keep the heat down in your living spaces where it’s needed during the winter months, saving your heating system from extra work. Sealing the attic floor will keep hot air from transferring between the attic and living spaces.
Cool windows. The energy-efficient home has windows that can be covered to keep out solar heat in the summer. East-, west- and south-facing windows generally receive the most sunlight. Plant shade trees by these windows, use solar screens and tinted window film during the summer. Cover windows with attractive drapes and shades that can be opened when the temperature drops. Double-pane windows give added protection against winter heat loss.
Update appliances. Use Energy Star-rated water heaters, dishwashers, dryers, washing machines and refrigerator/freezers when purchasing new appliances. Use energy-saving fluorescent lighting.
HVAC maintenance. Have your air conditioning, dehumidifying and heating systems checked at least once a year by trained professionals from Ace Hardware Home Services. Our trained HVAC experts will inspect your home’s HVAC systems to give you the most energy-efficient home while also protecting the environment.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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