Ozark Living

Ad Number: 053120z714 When attempting to cool their homes, many homeowners' first instinct may be to adjust the air conditioning thermostat. But there are other, more energy-efficient methods to cooling a home. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, as much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. e following are a handful of ways to make heating and cooling a home more eco-friendly. Insulate Insulation oen is associated with warmth, and rightfully so, as it is used to protect a home from cold weather. However, insulation also is effective at cooling homes. Many insulation materials work by slowing down the way heat moves through materials and into spaces. Proper insulation can provide effective resistance to the flow of heat, meaning it can help block hot air from flowing into the interior of a home. Insulation will help reduce the amount of work a cooling system will have to do to cool a home thanks to the flow of heat. Replace air filters Air filters trap dust, debris and other microscopic particles so they are not circulating in the air or clogging up vents. Over time, air filters can become so bogged down with dirt that air cannot move through a home very easily, forcing cooling systems to work harder. Simply replacing the filters can help cooling systems work more efficiently. Adjust the thermostat Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to adjust their cooling systems for when they are home and when they are out. Air conditioners can be set at higher temperatures when residents are at work or school, and then lowered before residents arrive home. Try evaporative coolers Sometimes called "swamp coolers," these devices can be effective in regions with low humidity. e U.S. Department of Energy notes that these coolers evaporate water into the air to provide a natural and energy- efficient means of cooling a home. When operating an evaporative cooler, windows are opened part way to allow warm indoor air to escape as it is replaced by cooled air. Unlike central air conditioning systems that recirculate the same air, evaporative coolers provide a steady stream of fresh air into the house. Plus, they consume only about one- quarter of the energy consumed by more traditional air conditioners. Ceiling fans Fans help to circulate air throughout a home and create an effective dra. Ceiling fans are usually most effective at circulating air throughout a room. e larger the blades, the more air that can be offset by the fan. Many fans operate quietly and effectively. In some locations, fans may be all that's needed to cool a space. In others, fans may work in conjunction with air conditioners to enable homeowners to raise the thermostat by about 4 º F. Keeping a home cool and saving money in the process is possible by making a few tweaks to the cooling system. Architectural millwork can be seen in many areas of a home, including kitchens. Homeowners are discovering that architectural accents can go a long way toward improving both the look and value of their homes. When renovating a space, the term "millwork" may be mentioned by designers and contractors. While it might be a mystery to some, millwork can give rooms unique looks. Millwork refers to items traditionally made from raw lumber in a sawmill. Examples of millwork include crown molding, base trims, door frames, window casings, chair rails, and paneling. Cabinets may also classify as millwork. Used for both decoration and to increase the functionality of buildings, millwork comes in various types. Generally, millwork is fabricated in two ways. Stock millwork tends to be mass-produced commercial items. ese low-cost items are interchangeable and may be widely available at retailers, including home improvement centers. Custom millwork is a product that is custom designed and produced for individuals and special building projects. Sometimes referred to as "architectural millwork," these pieces may be more ornate and made-to-order. Homeowners who want to match a focal point of a home or an existing style oen turn to custom millwork. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, ornate millwork was largely reserved for royalty or the very wealthy. Skilled carpenters would hand carve each piece, taking weeks to finish most projects. Eventually, millwork became more commonplace. Distinguishing one property from another today could mean turning back to the more distinctive designs of the past. Homeowners looking for ways to enhance their properties can embrace millwork to achieve a luxury feel without a sizable investment. e first step is to choose millwork that will coordinate with the era and style of a home's existing decor. Ornate millwork in an overly modern house may seem out of place. e millwork should match the architectural theme of the home. Although some do-it-yourselfers can successfully install prefabricated millwork, for custom designs and a truly seamless look, it is important to have millwork professionally installed. Individuals should research carpenters who specialize in millwork and verify their license and reputation through a consumer protection agency. Popular types of millwork include crown molding, corbels, wainscotting, and custom bookcases. Homeowners may not realize that millwork can be added to spaces of all sizes to give them an air of sophistication. Although millwork was traditionally formed from hardwoods, eco-friendly homeowners can now find millwork craed from synthetic materials and even reclaimed woods. Millwork can add that special touch to the interior or exterior of a home. Learn more by visiting worldmillworkalliance.com. Millwork can add appeal and a classic feel OZARK LIVInG • JuNe 2020 • 25

• Cover