Keeping your house comfortable takes a lot of energy, which is bad for the environment as well as for your wallet. How can you reduce reliance on your HVAC system while still heating and cooling your home adequately? Here are a few natural heating and cooling alternatives.
Windows. In summer, leave your windows open in the morning to let the cool air in. Then as things start to warm up, close both the windows and the curtains to keep the heat out. In the winter, open the curtains or drapes in the afternoon to let the sunlight in. This method of natural heating and cooling works particularly well with south-facing windows as they get direct sunlight.
Fans. Fans — particularly ceiling fans — improve air circulation, which is great for both comfort and indoor air quality. In summer, air flow from your fans allows you to turn your thermostat up a few degrees while still feeling cool and comfortable. In winter, switch the fan's direction so it pushes the rising heat back down into your home.
Evaporative cooling. A swamp cooler or evaporative cooler is a great way of cooling the air for a fraction of the energy and without chemical refrigerants. Warm air travels through a wet membrane, which cools it naturally before it circulates through your home.
Cooking. If you enjoy cooking and baking, using the stove and oven can be a great way to warm your home without taxing your HVAC system. Then in summer, move the cooking to the outdoor barbecue to keep the heat out of the house and let it stay cool longer.
Trees. The benefits of this one take a few years to take effect, but it can be a good long-term investment for your home, and it represents the ultimate in natural heating and cooling. Plant some large, deciduous trees on the south side of your house. In summer, the leaves will provide shade from the sunlight, keeping your home cool. In winter, they shed their leaves, letting the sunlight in to make your house warm.
For more help with natural heating and cooling and other HVAC solutions, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable and efficient.