We highly recommend getting performance testing/energy auditing for your home before you start buying new systems. There are simple self-audits and guides to professional audits.
It is also important to do all the passive solar strategies, cooling strategies, and energy saving improvements first in order to use your energy laden systems less, or before buying a new air conditioning unit.
Here are good strategies for improving heating and cooling and decreasing the need for these systems:
- Install high performance windows
- Assess tree shading or removal
- Assess Window shade management
- Incorporate overhangs and awnings
- Do frequent maintenance on all systems
- Completely seal air ducts
- Use south and west windows and thermal mass (solar collecting surfaces) for trapping incoming sunlight and heating your home
- Create plenty of flow thru ventilation for cooling
- Use ceiling fans
Ventilation can either be passively managed with windows, or by mechanical means with kitchen and bathroom vents or whole house system fans. It is important in tightly sealed homes to get enough fresh air into your home and not to trap unwanted heat and combustion by-products from stoves, etc…Make sure fresh air returns in your home are located in an open flow space, like a hallway.
Assees your particular type of system. Whatever type of heating, ventilation and cooling systems you have, there are upgrades you can do to each of them that make them more efficient. You can educate yourself completely about these categories and energy saving strategies by visiting:
The US Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy Star
Heating:
Gas and Oil
Electric Heat systems
Wood Heat systems
Air source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps
Electric radiant mats
Radiant floor heat pipes
Electric base-board heaters (least efficient)
Wood stoves (worst air qualtity)
High-mass masonry stoves
Solar
Cooling:
Swamp coolers (only in dry climates)
Air conditioners
Air-source heat pumps
Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps
Ductless (split –systems) air conditioning units
Increase system efficiency by adding zone controls and programmable thermostats.
There are tax credits for buying these new systems.
