As the summer sun heats up, so do our energy bills. Keeping your home cool is essential, but who wants to break the bank doing it? The good news is, there are several ways to improve your AC’s efficiency and keep your wallet happy.
Master the Thermostat
Your programmable thermostat is a powerful tool when it comes to improving efficiency and saving on energy costs. Set it 2-3 degrees higher when you’re away or asleep. This small adjustment can save you up to 10% on cooling costs! Utilize features like automatic scheduling to adjust the temperature based on your daily routine. If you don’t have a programmable or smart thermostat, get in touch with us to get set up with one.
Harness the Power of Fans
Ceiling fans and strategically placed portable fans create a windchill effect, making you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. This reduces the workload on your AC and keeps energy use in check. Plus, they help circulate air so the cool air from your AC travels more evenly throughout the house.
Work Your Windows
During the hottest part of the day, close curtains, blinds, or shades on south and west-facing windows to block the sun’s heat from directly warming your home. At night, when the outdoor temperatures dip, open windows on opposite sides of your house to create a natural cross-ventilation system, circulating cool air and minimizing AC use. Remember, seal any air leaks around windows and doors to prevent hot outdoor air from sneaking in and forcing your AC to work harder.
Embrace Preventative Maintenance
Schedule a professional tune-up for your AC before the summer heat arrives. A qualified technician can also ensure your system is running efficiently and identify any minor issues before they become major problems.
Change Your Filter
Your air filter acts as a shield, trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne nasties before they circulate throughout your home. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency. Additionally, a dirty filter can contribute to allergy and asthma symptoms by allowing allergens to circulate freely. A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter every 1-3 months.
Upgrade Your System
If your AC is old and inefficient, replacing it with a newer, high-efficiency model might be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Look for units with a high SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system and the greater your potential energy savings.
Other Ways to Improve Your Household Efficiency This Summer
- Take shorter showers
- Use air-drying racks for laundry
- Avoid heat-generating appliances during peak hours
Major Efficiency Improvements with Spring Home
Scheduling annual preventative maintenance is one of the biggest ways to improve and maintain the efficiency of your air conditioner. If you find it difficult to stay on top of this, consider signing up for a Spring Home Protection Plan. Each plan includes annual inspections and maintenance so your system stays in top shape! Aside from proper maintenance, you can boost efficiency by upgrading your system to a heat pump or even a high-efficiency unit.
If you’re looking to upgrade your AC’s efficiency in a major way, contact Spring Home!
The Spring Home team has been servicing the HVAC needs of the GTA for over 20 years. Our award-winning team of licensed technicians is committed to providing our clients with service they can trust and equipment they can rely on.
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