(Newswire.net — November 16, 2020) — If you’re like most people, hot weather presents you with a dilemma. You want to avoid being sticky and sweaty, but you also don’t want to spend too much money on your monthly utility bills.
Aside from pushing your HVAC unit to its limit, there are some air conditioning tips you can take advantage of that’ll help you stay cool, while also saving money. So what do you need to know?
Keep reading to learn about some different things you can do to maximize your home’s AC efficiency.
Unplug Electronics
Is your home full of a lot of big electronic devices, such as computers, coolers, exercise equipment, and media systems? If it is, you’ll want to make sure that you power down or unplug these whenever you don’t use them.
Studies have shown that electronic devices you keep plugged in contribute to your monthly energy usage, regardless of whether or not you turn them on. Unplugging them will help you save money.
These devices also generate heat, so by turning them off and unplugging them, you won’t worry about your HVAC system struggling to keep things cool. This will further shave some money off of your monthly utility bill.
Change Air Filters
From time to time, it’s a good idea to take a look at your air filter. If it looks like something that’s been through a war, then it might be smart to change it.
When dust and other particles clog your filter, it prevents air from flowing as it should. This causes your HVAC system to work harder to get the air where it needs to go, causing you to waste electricity and spend more money.
Dirty air filters can also impact your home’s air quality, which in turn can impact your health. If your air filters look filthy, make sure to look into getting some new discount filters to help both your wallet and your lungs.
Aside from changing air filters, you should also make sure that nothing is blocking the air vents. This will help preserve airflow, increasing your air conditioner efficiency.
Be More Conservative With Your Thermostat
Don’t you hate it when the temperature jumps up by one degree in your home? No? That’s because most people can’t notice temperature changes of two or three degrees.
However, your energy unit does notice temperature changes, and the air that you’re forcing it to pump out at 72 as opposed to 74 is causing your electric bill to go up. Increase the temperature a few degrees, and odds are you won’t notice a difference.
You can also try increasing the temperature when you’re out of the house. Keep it cool enough to not give you a heat stroke when you come back, but don’t waste money on keeping it an icebox if no one is there to enjoy it.
Get a Smart Thermostat
If your home has a traditional thermostat, it’s time to upgrade. Modern, smart thermostats are the best way to save money, while also making sure that you and your family always feel comfortable.
As opposed to setting the temperature to a single degree, smart thermostats allow you to set a temperature range. As people can’t notice the difference of a few degrees, you’ll stay cool, while also saving money.
Smart thermostats also let you control the temperature of your home remotely. If you forgot to bump up the temperature before you left the house, don’t sweat it (no pun intended). You can control the thermostat from your phone, changing it with a few simple taps.
Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Do you live in an older building? If you do, you might have some gaps in insulation. This can cause you to lose some of your precious cool air, forcing you to spend more money to make up for it.
Look around your home for any areas that have poor insulation. Windows and walls are common culprits, but you should also check around things such as pipes, outlets, and ducts, as well.
If you do find an area that looks like it’s struggling, buy some insulation that you can use to seal up the gaps. When looking at different insulation options, pay attention to the r-value. This refers to how well the insulation will trap in air, with higher numbers being more effective.
Schedule an HVAC Checkup
You can do everything right, but at the end of the day, you’re not an AC specialist. This means that you won’t be able to give your AC unit the maintenance it needs to continue to work as it should.
Just like your doctor can help identify health problems and treat them, an AC specialist will be able to detect and resolve any serious problems that are affecting your unit. They’ll also change the air filter and clean the ducts, helping to improve your home’s air quality.
In order to get the most out of your appointment, make sure to book before you start pumping out the cool air. If you use your HVAC system for heat as well, you should also get it inspected before you start blasting the warm air.
Stay Cool With an AC Efficiency Boost
When the hot weather rolls around, you want to make sure that you stay cool and comfortable without having to spend unnecessary money. By following the tips mentioned in this guide, you’ll be able to increase AC efficiency in your home, helping you stay cool and save money.
Do you now have a better understanding of how to maximize HVAC energy efficiency in your home? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other articles for more guides and tips.