If you want to save money and minimize your carbon footprint, start by investing in really good home heating and cooling system. We are all aware that home heating and cooling appliances eat up the biggest chunk of our monthly utility bill. Add to that the fact that in order to produce energy and electricity, big power plants burn fossil fuels to meet our power demand, which in turn adds more greenhouse gasses going up into our atmosphere aside from being a big financial burden.
With continued advancements in HVAC technology, there are now more home heating and cooling system alternatives than there was before, and even plenty of environment-friendly brands to choose from.
Choosing a System
Any HVAC expert will tell you that you can basically install any home heating system in your home, as long as you take into consideration cost and aesthetics. Moreover, also think about home modifications that can boost energy efficiency. You may want to look into improving your home ventilation system first and installing passive solar heating too. After looking into these options, think about the climate in your area and what kinds of fuel are available in your locality.
Home Heating Systems
Generally, the most energy-efficient types of heating systems are central heating, baseboard heaters, and water-based heaters. They can all be powered by electricity coming from solar panels or any alternative power resource. Central heating with a boiler or furnace is probably the most economical choice and a typical heating method. The use of resistance baseboard heaters is costly. A hot water system is becoming more popular and is best for climates that do not require a cooling system at home. With this system, the hot water runs through the pipes and radiates heat into the different parts of your home. It is highly efficient since you can direct the heat in areas that need heating the most. Energy is not needed in operating both active and passive solar heating but is often just a back-up since it needs to the sun to generate energy in itself.
Home Cooling Systems
ACs are not the most energy efficient way of cooling your home. The best way in cooling any space does not rely on a single device but a combination of ventilation, weatherizing, insulation, and shading. You can enjoy a comfortably cool home without using too much energy. If you live somewhere hot and dry, a “swamp” or evaporative cooler provides better cooling while using less energy than an AC. In case you do go with an AC, choose a modern and energy-efficient model than other brands.
Sizing your System
People often make the mistake of choosing a bigger and a more powerful unit when choosing a home heating and cooling system. Back in the days, more loosely built homes and buildings lead to significant heat transfer, making our home heating and cooling systems work harder. If you have a weatherized home, a very big system is not necessary. The truth is, installing oversized home heating and cooling systems lead to frequent temperature swings among other related discomforts, and cause your utility bills and maintenance costs to skyrocket. Consult with an HVAC expert in finding the ideal home heating and cooling system for your home, not necessarily an oversized one.