Effective Ways to Cool Down an Old Home
Effective Ways to Cool Down an Old Home
Summer is here, which means we can finally put the damp and dreary winter behind us. And with temperatures on the rise, you are much more likely to get some time at the lake, some sun on your skin, and unfortunately, some increases in your electricity bill.
Homeowners in the Finger Lakes will most often resign to either paying far too much in energy costs to stay comfortable, or sacrifice their comfort and sweat it out in a stuffy and hot home. By combining home performance and building science-informed home upgrades, and efficient heating and cooling systems sized and installed correctly, Halco has cracked the code on effective ways to cool down older homes here in the Finger Lakes.
From increasing insulation and air sealing to installing advanced cooling systems like heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps, here are some effective ways to make your home comfortable while saving energy.
Reduce Cooling (and Heating) Loads with Insulation and Air Sealing
Many older homes lack adequate insulation as the result of insulation deterioration, mold growth, physical damage, or improper installation, leading to significant energy loss. One of the most impactful ways to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of an old home is to reduce its cooling load through proper insulation and air sealing. By upgrading your insulation, you can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home during the summer and escapes during the winter — meaning it also reduces the heating load in the winter.
Attic Insulation: Insulating your attic is crucial because it is a major source of heat gain, and an underinsulated attic can cause ice dams in the winter. Halco offers various insulation options, including spray foam and blown cellulose, to create a thermal barrier that keeps your home cooler.
Crawl Space or Basement Insulation: The other area prone to heat infiltration, as well as humidity infiltration, is the area underneath the home. Basement and crawl space insulation can stabilize temperatures throughout the entire home.
Air Sealing: Air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings can let hot air and contaminants into your home and cool air out. Sealing these gaps can improve your home's comfort and reduce energy consumption. Halco uses advanced techniques and materials to measure and improve the overall air tightness of your home.
Efficient Cooling with Heat Pump Installation
Heat pumps are a versatile and energy-efficient option for cooling your home. They work by transferring heat from one place to another, providing both heating and cooling capabilities.
Air Source Heat Pumps: These systems work well in the varying climate of the Finger Lakes, providing reliable cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. At Halco, we install many ENERGY STAR® certified air source heat pumps that offer excellent performance and energy savings.
Geothermal Heat Pump Installation: Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home in the Finger Lakes, with the ability to reduce your energy consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional systems. They use the stable temperature of the ground to offload and absorb heat, making them incredibly energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Ductless Mini-Splits: For homes or rooms without existing ductwork, ductless mini-split systems are an ideal solution. These units are easy to install and provide targeted cooling to specific areas of your home. Each room gets a compact, wall-mounted air handler with its own thermostat, allowing for customizable comfort.
Regular Maintenance and Upgrades
Ensuring your cooling systems are running efficiently requires regular maintenance and timely upgrades. Over time, even the best systems can lose efficiency if not properly maintained. Regular tune-ups and maintenance of your air conditioning system can improve its performance and extend its lifespan.
If your current air conditioning system is outdated or inefficient, replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient model can provide better cooling and lower energy bills. Halco can help you choose the right system for your home and ensure it is installed correctly.
Solar Power
Incorporating solar power into your home’s energy system can further enhance its efficiency and reduce your reliance on the grid. Solar panels can be used to power your cooling systems, reducing your energy costs and carbon footprint.
Halco Offers Integrated Solutions
By combining solar power with other energy-efficient systems like heat pumps and insulation, you can create a comprehensive approach to cooling your home while minimizing energy use.
Is Your Old Home Hard to Keep Cool? Call Halco!
Cooling an old home in the Finger Lakes can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to achieve comfort and energy efficiency. Halco is committed to providing high-quality, customized solutions to meet your home’s specific needs. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you cool down your old home effectively.
