Nowadays, you have more reason to be energy-efficient.
For one, it allows you to save money from your utility bills. Second, it is one way to do your part in saving the environment. Third, energy-efficiency makes your appliances last long.
If you want to reap these benefits, you can start with your home ventilation, and here’s how:
1. Switch to natural ventilation
Consider yourself lucky if you live in an area where the temperature cools down at night. That’s because you get to enjoy natural ventilation.
Natural ventilation is much more cost-effective than using a heating and cooling system at home.
Nonetheless, there is one quick tip on how you can make the switch: Open your windows.
That way, you can let the warm indoor air out while letting the cool outdoor air in.
You can also apply this advice when cleaning your house. That’s because you get to vaporize the stench of your disinfecting agent without relying on your ventilation.
The cool thing about using natural ventilation is that you get to save energy from using your HVAC system.
2. Invest in conventional ventilation
Aside from being energy-efficient, conventional ventilation creates a healthy home environment.
Ventilation systems, in general, produces clean, dry air. In addition, its filter prevents pollen, dust, and allergen from coming indoors. And we all know that these can trigger an allergic reaction. What more if you have a respiratory illness, such as asthma?
That said, conventional ventilation reduces the risk of infecting your family with any respiratory issues. This includes viruses, mold, smoke, carbon monoxide inhalation, and other respiratory issues.
3. Check for any air leaks
Back then, people rely on air leaks for indoor ventilation. However, the US Department of Energy recommends otherwise.
What you should do instead is to check and seal any air leaks and then uses a controlled ventilation system. That’s because air leaks can result in an increase in moisture at home. This is especially true for areas with warm or humid climates.
When moisture builds up, your ventilation system has to work extra hard to maintain indoor temperature. And extra work can mean an increase in utility bills.
4. Prevent Heat Buildup
Heat buildup at home pushes your ventilation system to overwork to maintain indoor air temperature. Thus, heat buildup prevents your ventilation system to be energy-efficient.
On the other hand, avoiding heat buildup reduces the need to use your ventilation system in the first place.
So how can you prevent heat buildup in your home? Opt to make cooler meals, such as salads, as much as possible. Moreso during the summer.
And unless it is needed, unplug your oven or electric stove. Grill outdoors and have a pool party instead,
5. Mechanical ventilation
You can also use mechanical ventilation for an energy-efficient system. There are four types of mechanical ventilation:
- Exhaust Ventilation: A single large fan that brings out the heat and brings in the fresh air.
- Supply Ventilation: Fans and ducts that bring filtered or dehumidified outdoor air into your home.
- Balanced Ventilation: This is a combination of supply and exhaust ventilation.
- Energy Recovery Ventilation: This is a ventilation system that tempers outdoor air as it comes into your house.
That said, mechanical ventilation is a practical way to be energy-efficient without compromising indoor air quality.
6. Switch your ventilation filters
It is common among homeowners to let their ventilation run without changing the filters. What you do not know is that you are making it difficult for your ventilation system to do its job.
That said, Aeon Energy Solutions, a Hamilton SmartVent installer, recommends that you change your filters at least once a month. Doing so will make your ventilation system energy-efficient.
Moreover, a clean ventilation filter ensures the health and safety of your family. That’s because the filter can affect the quality of your indoor air.
7. Choose an energy recovery ventilation system
This may sound counter-intuitive, but changing your ventilation system might be what you need to be energy-efficient.
And if you consider upgrading your system, we recommend that you choose an energy recovery ventilation system.
For one, it minimizes energy losses. This is possible when your heater warms up your indoor temperature.
What the system does is that it takes the warm air from the inside of your home. And then uses it to heat up the supply of fresh, cold air. Meaning, less electricity is used.
Conclusion
Preventing heat buildup and using ventilation techniques is an efficient way to improve indoor air. Not to mention that it does not consume that much energy.
Mind you, in 2009 alone, it was estimated that 87% of American homes have a ventilation system. So, imagine how much you and your neighbors can save if you have an energy-efficient ventilation system.
With the simple tips we have listed above, you are well on your way to having an energy-efficient ventilation system.