The weather is still changing significantly. The cold winds are just starting to sneak under your jacket, and you can now see your breath when you breathe outside. The heating bill is unavoidable, so what’s the most cost-effective way to heat and cool a house? There are many ways to approach this question, with many different opinions. It would be best if you had a framework to build your opinion. You need to analyze the different methods of heating/cooling in terms of simplicity, speed, cost, and of course, effectiveness.
It is not an exhaustive list as several factors should be defined before answering this question. It doesn’t matter if you live in California or Alaska; it isn’t always the warmest outside, so you need a form of heating/cooling.
The most effective way for a homeowner to decide which HVAC equipment is right for their home is to consult with an experienced HVAC company such as SureTech Heating & Cooling. The company will send its most qualified person, usually a mechanical engineer, to assess the needs of the individual home and its occupants.
The Most Cost-Effective Way to Heat and Cool Your Home?
There are many home improvement tips and articles online. Most will mention installing insulation and swapping older appliances for newer energy-efficient models. You’ll likely save money on your utility bills if you follow these tips. But saving a few dollars here and there doesn’t mean anything big, right? You’re looking for big savings while minimizing the cost of materials. Ideally, you’d like to spend as little as possible while reducing heating costs or making your home more comfortable and liveable year-round.
If you’re a homeowner or even a renter, you know how much heating and cooling costs can fluctuate during the year. You may have experienced extreme temperatures, which can wreak havoc on your home’s energy bills. The cost of energy to heat and cool your house is the single largest expense in the operation of your home. With energy costs rising, you must know how to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. The cost can range from :
- The monthly cost to heat and cool a house with natural gas is $166.
- The monthly cost to heat and cool a house with an electric furnace is $304.
- The monthly cost to heat and cool a house with an electric heat pump is $242.
In fact, with proper insulation, you can reduce your heating bills by as much as 30%. This money is being thrown away through the walls of your home. No matter how efficient your heating system is, you will never be able to recover this lost energy and wasted money.
You can use insulation in many different ways in the home. One of the main purposes that insulation serves is to keep heated air inside during cold weather and cool air inside during hot weather. Insulation helps keep the interior temperature steady year-round. The home’s attic should be insulated with at least 8″ (R-38) cellulose or fiberglass insulation. The most cost-effective way to insulate existing walls is to blow cellulose insulation into them from the outside.
The most cost-effective way to heat and cool a house is with HVAC — heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC ensures a comfortable temperature in your home year-round while minimizing energy costs. HVAC systems are complex, so it’s best to have a professional install one for you. Professional HVAC system design services can help you design the best HVAC system as per your requirements. They will also be able to install it correctly and make sure it runs safely and efficiently.
If you already have an HVAC system, ask a professional from an HVAC company such as Barrie heating services about ways to improve its efficiency. Improving insulation around the building envelope, for example, can help reduce energy consumption. The best temperature for your thermostat setting is 78 degrees in the summer. It gives a comfortable temperature without using too much air conditioning. In winter, 68 degrees is recommended for energy savings and comfort. According to Energy Star, heating costs make up about 50% of your annual energy bill. By lowering your thermostat by just 10-15 degrees for 8 hours per day, you can save 5% to 15% on your heating bill. The ideal indoor room temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees, depending on season and preference. Use these tips to find the right setting for your home heating or cooling system.
How to Improve Energy Efficiency
There are many ways to reduce your energy costs, but knowing which methods are most effective can be difficult. To help, check the following strategies for improving energy efficiency at home:
- Insulating your home properly
- Using energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- Maintaining those appliances regularly
- Installing an energy-efficient heating system (HVAC system)
- Taking advantage of incentives that encourage homeowners to make these improvements
The most cost-effective way to heat and cool your home may not be cost-effective, especially now that California is entering into an extended drought. Suppose you can adjust your lifestyle requirements to favor a lower wattage mortgage. In that case, you’ll likely be in good shape for the foreseeable future as long as you don’t prepay your mortgage and have an above-average power bill. In other words, adjust your lifestyle to fit your means, and you’ll do great.
