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Replacing an air conditioning unit can be a daunting experience for some people. But, for those who know what to do, this task can be a chance to upgrade the existing unit and install more modern equipment that will prove worthwhile in both comfort and cost.
With rising energy costs, energy efficiency is now on the minds of many homeowners. Homeowners and potential homeowners can see examples of simple methods, as well as high-end methods of reducing the energy consumption of a home by visiting LaHouse, the LSU AgCenter's demonstration home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Energy prices are volatile. Consumers can take control of their energy bills by make adjustments to their homes for the winter. One way to save energy is by curbing air leakage inside the home. (Runtime: 60 seconds)
Use this checklist to explore and select features and components of an energy-efficient house in Louisiana.
An energy-efficient home lets you control the indoor climate and how much you'll pay for it. It is not only more comfortable, but also protects you from being at the mercy of unstable future energy costs. In many cases, you'll be able to save enough on downsizing your heating and cooling system to pay for the higher-efficiency products and features you need for an energy-efficient home.
Taking steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems could help reduce your utility bills, and increase your comfort at home. Make Energy Star® smart decisions when it comes to your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, read here for important details.
In Louisiana's hot, humid climate, it is most important to minimize solar heat gain in the summer. How you orient the home in relation to the sun can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bill. Other goals include maximizing passive solar heat gain in the winter, capturing mild season breezes, and landscaping to best solar effect. In addition, solar orientation can be important if you're planning to use solar heat and lighting or to convert solar energy to electrical energy.
You can save money and be environmentally-friendly at the same time by making your home an ENERGY STAR Home.
When the outside humidity is not high in spring and fall, a home designed with good cross ventilation can be comfortable without air conditioning.
Houses can be designed so that occupants can get the most or least light and/or heat generated by the sun.
A great deal of solar heat gain on the west, east, southwest and southeast sides of a house can occur from the rising and setting sun. Cooling demand can be greatly reduced by providing shade structures, trees and shrubs on these sides of a house.
A passive solar home is designed to admit and store energy from the sun in winter for solar heating.
