How to Cut Your Home Cooling Costs This Summer
You know the saying, “you get what you pay for,” but is your home efficiency giving you what you pay for in energy bills? Each year, homeowners lose energy and money, because they don’t maximize their homes’ energy-saving potential. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), making energy saving improvements to your home could save you 10 to 50 percent on your energy bills. Here are some suggestions for improving efficiency in your home this summer by focusing on these areas:
• Programmable Thermostat. A programmable thermostat can save energy and money by operating at a more cost-efficient temperature while you’re asleep or away from home, and then automatically lower the temperature to cool your home just before you wake up or return. New Tempstar® brand programmable thermostats can help save money and are backed by a 5 year limited warranty.
• High-efficiency Air Conditioning. Purchasing a new and more energy-efficient system can cost less than keeping an older and less energy-efficient system. The Tempstar SmartComfort™ Series 13 to 18 SEER air conditioners are energy-efficient and can save up to 50% on your summer cooling costs when compared to older, less efficient systems.
• Windows. Better windows provide better insulation. Install storm windows over single-pane windows, or replace them with double-pane windows. Today’s high-efficiency windows can improve heating and cooling energy savings by 15 percent. Also, be sure to lock your windows to help press the weather stripping tightly together for a better seal. This will help trap the cool air inside and reduce heat seeping in through windows.
• Get a yearly system check-up. Each year, have our qualified heating and cooling service technicians check your system, perform routine maintenance, and make sure it is running at top efficiency. Preventive maintenance to your home or heating system could save you money and energy.
How To Keep Your Cool on Summer’s Hottest Days
On summer’s hottest days, your air conditioner will do a better job of keeping you cool if you will take a few precautions to make sure its job is as easy as possible. Here are a few tips:
• Create breathing room—If you have shrubbery or other plants growing close to the outdoor section of your air conditioner, make sure they do not block the flow of air. Trim them if necessary. Also, check to
be sure that leaves, grass clippings or other debris are not blocking the flow of air into your air conditioner.
• Change or clean air filters—If you use disposable air filters, change them at least once a month. If you use electrostatic filters or an electronic air cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Clogged filters force your air conditioner to work harder and can shorten its life.
• Clean the return air grille—Return air grilles are openings which allow air from inside your house to recirculate through your heating system. They are generally located near the blower or fan unit of the furnace. Some systems use a rectangular metal grille on the wall, ceiling or floor. Others use a louvered closet door. Clean the return air grille with a vacuum cleaner every time you change or clean the air filter.
• Turn off the bathroom vent fan—It draws cool air out of the house and pulls hot outdoor air inside.
• Close doors quickly—The longer a door is open, the more hot air it allows into the house for your air conditioner to cool.
• Remember: south is hot, north is cool—Close drapes or blinds on your south-facing windows to block out the sun’s bright light and the heat it carries. Open drapes or blinds on north facing windows to welcome the cooler indirect sunlight.
• Have your system serviced regularly—Have your heating and cooling system checked out by a qualified service technician twice a year.
For Optimum Comfort at Maximum Efficiency
To keep your heating & cooling system operating at maximum effi ciency and giving you optimum comfort, call us today to schedule a routine service check. You can count on us for:
• Professional system analysis, design and installation
• Highly experienced heating and cooling service technicians
• System checkups and routine maintenance
• Emergency repair and troubleshooting.