Natural Heating and Air Conditioning Tips and Tricks

While most people think that heating and air conditioning comes from an expensive machine, the truth is that people have a lot more control over their environment and the climate than they realize. Landscaping and exterior alterations to your home can save you money and help you keep your thermostat turned off more often. Controlling the outside environment also has the added benefit of beautifying your home and increasing its value if done correctly.

It may sound ridiculous, but you can create some natural heating and air conditioning through control of your outdoors environment. People too often neglect the power of landscaping and a well-thought out use of your home’s exterior. Even people in apartments with balconies can benefit from a bit of plant life. Windows that are exposed to the sun for a long portion of the day will need extra protection. You can start by using a window tint to help provide some instant relief, and in addition some leafy trees can absorb and block-out the harmful rays.

For people with a considerable amount of yard space and in warmer climates, evapotranspiration is a viable option. This is where many trees are planted close together and then release water vapor to help cool the home by a few degrees. Any plants can be used, but they should be high and dense enough to block out a considerable amount of sun. If height is an issue, even a smattering of potted plants or bedded troughs can increase the moisture, although to a lesser degree.

In addition to brushing off your green thumb, the exterior of your house can be adjusted to help you cut down on your heating and air conditioning bills. As previously mentioned, thin films can be added to the surface of windows to help regulate temperature. Shades, blinds, and heavy drapes can also help trap hot or cold weather to keep the inside of your home comfortable. If price is an issue identify the problem areas, such as a particularly hot bedroom, and focus on just that spot. Rearranging furniture can also help. If sleeping is an issue, simply move the bed to an area that retains coolness better.

If you can’t give up your heating and air conditioning unit, to help you save money, start trapping the air in only the rooms you are using. If you’re in the living room, close all the doors, windows, blinds, and drapes, and if you need to leave, ensure you don’t accidentally leave a door open, even just for a few minutes. The room will cool or warm up much faster and the trapped air will linger for longer so you can turn off the unit sooner.

If you do ever sell your home, all the additions that you’ve made to make your home more eco-friendly will add up to be savings in the buyer’s opinions, which means your property will be much more marketable. If you really want to cut down on your heating and air conditioning, you should consider looking into solar panels and other green additions.