Are high utility bills, wildly variable indoor temperatures, and hot and cold spots problems in your home? These are all signs that your HVAC system could be a lot more energy efficient than it is currently. Check out our article on the most efficient way to heat and cool your home.
Find and Seal Any Hidden Air Leaks
The first thing you need to do is figure out where the cold and hot air is going before installing any insulation. This involves finding any holes and cracks that air can escape through. You can feel drafts of hot and cool air in the vicinity of many big leaks. Additionally, you should check common problem spots like the attic or crawlspace for any small holes you may have missed. After that, there are many different DIY ways to seal the leaks. You can use caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping for your doors.
Choose the Right Equipment
After insulating and sealing your home, you may need to replace your current system. If that’s the case, you need to choose what kind of heating and cooling system best fits your needs. There are many options, including central air and even roof-mounted mini-split condensers. You may choose a boiler, furnace, or heat pump for heaters. The choice is up to you. But as a general rule, newer technologies are more energy efficient than older ones. You also need to ensure your system has enough BTUs to heat and cool your home properly. BTU stands for British thermal unit, which measures how much energy a system uses to change the temperature per pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. After that, you just need to call an HVAC expert who will install the system for you.
Keep a Regular Maintenance Schedule
The last thing you need to do is be proactive and schedule regular maintenance before your HVAC system begins to break down, ideally around every six months. It’s a mistake to wait until the last minute. You don’t want to deal with an air conditioner or heating unit that isn’t doing its job in the sweltering heat of summer or the dead of winter.
These are just some of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home. Using the tips above, you should be perfectly comfortable in any weather and ready to tackle the seasons with ease.
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