To ensure your central air conditioning system's efficiency, consider factors such as proper installation, ductwork, thermostat placement, and sizing. Make sure your contractor allows enough indoor space for installation and uses duct-sizing methodology for optimal airflow.

When buying a new central air conditioner, look for models with high efficiency, and consider ENERGY STAR® certified units, which are about 15% more efficient than standard models. Newer systems have higher SEER ratings, providing greater savings.

You can save energy and money by selecting an energy-efficient air conditioner with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Ensure proper sizing, insulation, and duct installation in your home to maximize efficiency.

Insulation works by providing resistance to heat flow through your home's walls, ceilings, and floors. It reduces the amount of heat that escapes during the winter and the heat that enters during the summer, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.

You can identify poorly performing ducts if you experience high summer and winter utility bills, have rooms that are challenging to heat or cool, feel uncomfortable in certain stuffy rooms, or find that your ducts are located in areas like the attic, crawlspace, or garage. Additionally, tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system may indicate issues.

The amount of insulation you need depends on your climate, type of heating and cooling system, and where you plan to insulate (e.g., attic, walls, floors). You can consult a local insulation contractor to determine the right R-value for your specific needs. Remember that thicker insulation generally increases the R-value.

To enhance duct performance, you can start by sealing air leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape and insulating accessible ducts, such as those in attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements, and garages. Avoid using duct tape, as it is not a durable solution. Ensure that connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet floors, walls, and ceilings, as these are common leak locations. Consider working with a professional contractor experienced in duct improvement projects for more complex issues.

Common insulation materials include fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose, rigid foam boards, and reflective foils. They differ in terms of how they resist heat flow and their installation requirements. Some materials are more suitable for specific applications, such as radiant barriers for cooling climates, while others may offer better performance in different scenarios. Consider factors like ease of installation and indoor air quality impacts when choosing insulation for your home.

If you have an existing home, the first step is to conduct a home energy assessment, also known as an energy audit. This assessment will help you understand how your home uses energy and identify ways to reduce energy use and costs. You can also explore the Home Energy Score, a rating system developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, to evaluate your home's current efficiency and receive recommendations for improvements.

In Missouri, you can employ several landscaping strategies to enhance energy efficiency. Maximize shade during hot summers with strategically placed trees and plants. Deflect winter winds away from your home by using windbreaks of trees and shrubs on the north and northwest sides. Consider tunneling summer breezes toward your home to keep it naturally ventilated. Additionally, select native and drought-tolerant plants to reduce outdoor watering needs and conserve energy.

When designing a new home for energy efficiency, it's essential to take a whole-house systems approach. Consider factors like appliance efficiency, insulation, lighting, heating and cooling systems, water heating, and the design of windows, doors, and skylights. Local climate and site conditions should also influence your design choices.

Yes, several techniques and materials can enhance energy efficiency in homes. These include advanced house framing to reduce lumber use, cool roofs with reflective materials to keep homes cooler in hot weather, passive solar home design to provide heating and cooling naturally, and earth-sheltered, straw bale, log, or manufactured homes, each with its unique energy-efficient characteristics.