1. Keep Up with Maintenance
Your HVAC system requires regular maintenance to help it stay consistently efficient throughout the year. When you neglect your HVAC system, it can cause it to perform poorly and decrease its overall efficiency, which will ultimately cause high energy bills.
Below are a few things you can do to help keep up with the maintenance of your HVAC system.
- Replace your air filter regularly.
- Clean the dust off of your air vents.
- Ensure that the registers are open and are not blocked by furniture.
- Call Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing for a routine maintenance check.
To learn more about how you can help maintain your HVAC system, check out our blog, “How To Prepare Your Central Air Conditioner for Summer Heat.”
2. Operate Your Thermostat Wisely
There are many ways you can use your thermostat to help lower the energy you’re using in your home. For instance, did you know that the ideal temperature for your thermostat to be set during the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit? While that’s not a comfortable temperature for most people, it is a model number to strive for.
Try setting your thermostat to the highest temperature you’re comfortable with while you’re home. Before you leave home for the day, try adjusting your temperature even higher. There’s no need to waste energy to cool an empty home.
While adjusting your temperature to a lower setting when you get back home, avoid setting it lower than your desired temperature. Doing this will not cool your home faster, it will only increase the energy your air conditioning unit is using to cool your home.
You should also avoid placing any lamps or TVs near your thermostats. Your thermostat will sense the heating coming off of those appliances, which will cause your AC to run longer than it needs to.
Lastly, think about investing in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are energy efficient and make homeowners’ lives considerably easier. These thermostats can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re gone or while you are asleep. They will then set the temperature back to a comfortable one right before you get home or before you wake up.
3. Utilize Your Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans help to create a wind-chill effect which is why your air conditioner and ceiling fan go hand in hand. While the AC pumps cold air into your home, your ceiling fan circulates that air, creating a more comfortable environment.
Using a ceiling fan while simultaneously using your air conditioner can help your home feel 4 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than without a fan. This means that you can set your thermostat 4 degrees higher without sacrificing your comfort.
To get the most out of your ceiling fans this summer, make sure you set them to move in a counter-clockwise motion. This motion helps create a cool draft by pushing the air down. Additionally, remember to always turn off the fan before you leave your home. If no one is there to feel the effects of the fan, you are wasting more energy by keeping it on.
4. Invest in a Dehumidifier
Humidity makes your home feel hotter than it is, but it also forces your air conditioning system to work overtime to cool down your home.
A dehumidifier might be the perfect complement to your air conditioning system. The dehumidifier helps to remove the moisture from your home and allows the air conditioner to focus on cooling down your home.
If you’re interested in purchasing a quality dehumidifier for your house, call Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing to talk with one of our qualified technicians. We can help you get your home’s humidity within the correct range.
5. Don’t Forget About Blinds and Curtains
Blinds and curtains are one of the best ways to prevent your home from heating up under the summer sun. Make sure that you close the blinds to any southern or western-facing windows, as they will receive the most heat from the sun.
If you’re an individual who enjoys natural light in your home, try opening the curtains to your northern facing windows; they will bring a significant amount of light into your home without the simmering heat.
Don’t let an expensive energy bill ruin your summer fun. There are many ways that you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature without receiving a high energy bill. Follow the tips above and if you run into any issues with your air conditioning unit, be sure to call Brackett Heating, Air & Plumbing for assistance.
