Not Automatic
Like many modern homes, ours has a central heating and cooling (HVAC) system. Thanks to a recent upgrade, we even have a programmable thermostat that allows us to adjust the set point depending on the time of day and even the day of the week. And while that can be a useful tool for managing energy costs, during this time of year it might be more likely to cost you money. So here is a reminder of some easy steps to take to keep your house just right.
- Sunlight management - using curtains to control the amount of sunlight also helps control heat gain; close curtains when you want it cool, and open them up to get warm
- Open and close your windows to take advantage of the outside temperature, either by cooling down the house at night, or warming it up during the day
It takes a little more work to manage your home temperature this way, but by turning off your HVAC unit you can save yourself money and reduce your impact on the environment. And while I realize that these seem like very obvious steps to take, not everybody takes advantage of them - if you live in a neighborhood, take a walk in the evening and listen for all of the HVAC systems running.
Don't forget that you can take advantage of these same techniques during the winter and summer seasons as well. And if you happen to be in the market for new windows, make sure that you educate yourself on the various options available. The best choice will depend paritally on what part of the country you live in and whether you need to better insulate from the heat or the cold.
For me this is a good reminder that while technology can be helpful, it doesn't always reduce my impact. Some things just have to be done the old fashioned way!
