Your Home's Comfort Systems Don't Work Independently of Each Other: How to Benefit From This Principle
Homeowners in the greater Tulsa area put a strong emphasis on improving their home’s energy efficiency. The best way to do this is by using a systematic approach. The comfort systems in your home do not work independently of one another; rather, they should work with each other to increase your indoor air comfort.
Use these tips to improve your overall comfort and energy efficiency, so that each of your "systems" works well together.
Air Leaks
Your home “breathes,” exchanging air between the indoors and outdoors. Seal leaks around your home using caulking or weather-stripping. This eases the burden on your HVAC system. Take care to check:
Around windows and doors
On the home’s exterior where two different types of building materials meet
Ductwork
Air conditioned air by your HVAC comfort system travels through ductwork. Leaking ductwork makes the HVAC system work harder and makes the home less energy efficient. Address this by:
Finding gaps or damaged ductwork
Using mechanical fasteners to secure ductwork
Use mastic to close any gaps
Insulation
Your home’s attic can become extremely hot during summer months, resulting in a bigger load on your HVAC system. Using insulation of R-30 or greater will help regulate those temperatures thereby decreasing the work your HVAC system does to cool the upstairs.
Windows
Windows allow the exchange of air and also let in sunlight. While sunlight can be desirable for lighting, it is also accompanied by solar radiation which warms the air. Use lightly colored curtains to allow in light while blocking some of the radiation to help regulate temperatures.
HVAC
Your HVAC system both heats and cools the air that travels through your home. You can maintain these items by changing filters regularly. You should also use a qualified HVAC technician to perform preventive maintenance annually to increase the system’s useful life.
Lights and Appliances
When you replace lighting and appliances, take care to select more energy efficient models.
Want to know more about the interconnection of your comfort systems? Contact Air Assurance today; we’ve been serving the needs of the greater Tulsa area since 1985.
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Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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