Your HVAC system is one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home. During cooling season, your energy bills skyrocket. Fortunately, it's possible to supplement it using natural cooling methods that cost much less. Here are a few ways to combine natural and AC cooling to improve efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Ceiling fans. Good air circulation is key to natural cooling, and fans help with that. In fact, ceiling fans can supplement your AC. When you run your ceiling fan, the windchill factor makes the air against your skin feel cooler than it is, allowing you to turn your thermostat up 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.
Windows. Limiting the sunlight that enters your home makes it easier for your AC to cool, making it a good way to utilize natural and AC cooling at the appropriate times. In the mornings, open the windows to let cool air into your home. Then in the afternoon, close the windows and draw the shades, blinds, or curtains to keep the sun out. You can also invest in solar shades, which filter out UV rays without blacking your windows out completely.
Trees. A more long-term strategy for filtering out sunlight is to plant deciduous trees with broad, flat leaves, such as maple or oak, near any south-facing windows. When full grown, the trees provide shade in summer, keeping the heat out. Then, in the fall, they shed their leaves, letting the sunlight through and providing warmth in winter.
Insulation. In winter, your insulation keeps the warm furnace air in your home longer. In summer, insulation keeps the hot outdoor air from entering your home so your AC doesn't have to work as hard to keep things cool. Check the insulation in your attic and add more if necessary to further take advantage of natural and AC cooling at once.
Geothermal heat pump. While costly, this can save you a bundle in the long run. Geothermal systems use the energy beneath the Earth's surface to cool your home's air naturally, reducing the amount of electricity it takes to do the job.
For help mixing natural and AC cooling in your home to maximize efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve all of Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.