HVAC systems are the best choice when a home needs to regulate its temperature and humidity levels. People can do it with just a click of a button. However, HVAC systems can also be costly.
An HVAC system can cost between $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of your home. It also has high upkeep. Maintenance costs can go up to $500 in the first few years and higher as the system becomes older. Moreover, they take up a considerable amount of energy.
The Department of Energy has found that HVAC systems take up 12% of overall energy consumption in an American household. So if you pay $1,000 for your energy bills annually, $120 of that will be your HVAC system. It’s also not very environmentally friendly because of this.
Thankfully, there are ways that you can keep your home cool without using an HVAC system. Here are some ways you can do that.
Use a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans effectively circulate air and make a room feel cooler. In addition, they use much less energy than an HVAC system, so they’ll also save you money on your energy bill.
Ceiling fans use, on average, only 60 watts of energy, while an HVAC system can use 3,500 watts. That means ceiling fans cost about 1/60th to operate as an HVAC system.
You should also ensure that your ceiling fan is rotating in the correct direction. For example, the blades should be turning counter-clockwise. This will create a wind-chill effect that will make you feel cooler. Moreover, these fans work well if you have good insulation going around your home.
Use portable fans
Portable fans are another great way to keep your home cool without using an HVAC system. They’re also very affordable and easy to use. You can place them in any room where you need to cool down.
Like ceiling fans, portable fans also help with circulation. However, they don’t cool the air in a room as an HVAC system does. Instead, they make you feel cooler by evaporating the sweat on your skin.
This is why it’s essential to have several portable fans. That way, you can place them around you to get the full effect of the wind. You can also target specific areas, like your bed or couch.
Improved insulation
One of the best ways to keep your home cool is to improve the insulation. This will prevent heat from coming into your home in the first place. It’s also a great way to save money on your energy bill, as you won’t have to use your HVAC system as much.
There are many ways you can improve the insulation in your home. You can add weatherstripping around your doors and windows. It will prevent drafts from coming in. You can also add insulation to your attic and walls. It can help keep the heat from entering your home through these areas.
You can also use curtains to keep the heat out. Dark-colored curtains are especially effective at this. They can block out up to 90% of the sunlight through your windows.
Have Outdoor Extensions
If the heat is too much indoors, consider having space outside your home. This can be a great way to keep your home cool without using an HVAC system.
You can set up a Gazebo or Pergola in your backyard. This will provide you with shade and protection from the sun. You can also consider building a patio outside your home. The patio building process doesn’t take too much of your time. It’s also cheap and easy to do.
Consider building a swimming pool if you want a place to cool down when the intense summer heat hits the country. A swimming pool is an excellent investment for your home. It will also last you for many years.
Plant trees and shrubs
Trees and shrubs can also be used to keep your home cool. They provide shade and can block out the sun from coming in through your windows. This will help keep your home cooler during the hotter months.
In addition, trees and shrubs can also help improve the air quality in your home. They can filter out harmful pollutants and improve the overall air quality.
Moreover, plants help cool the environment by releasing water vapor. This process is called evapotranspiration. It can help lower your home’s temperature by up to 3-5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use these tips to keep your home cool without using an HVAC system. They’re great ways to save money and energy. They’ll also help you stay comfortable during the hot summer months.
