Summer is a great time of year for family fun, barbeques, and outdoor activities, but the season can also be pricey. Maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures can often lead to high energy bills, especially in Jacksonville. Luckily, we have some great tips that will help you improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce the price of your heating and air conditioning bills.
Use Ceiling Fans
One great way you can immediately reduce the amount of energy you use in your home is by utilizing ceiling fans. Ceiling fans circulate cool air so that your air conditioning doesn’t need to use as much energy to maintain cool temperatures in your home. We highly encourage homeowners to install ceiling fans throughout their homes in order to increase air circulation and reduce energy costs.
Replace HVAC Air Filters
Replacing your HVAC air filter is an easy and simple way to cut down on energy costs. When your filters clog with household particles, like dust mites, hair, dirt, and pollen, your HVAC unit is forced to work harder to circulate air and maintain your home’s cool temperature.
Clean your air filters so that your HVAC can run more efficiently and with less energy. Air filters are incredibly affordable and easy to install without professional assistance. We recommend that you change your air filter at least once a month to get the most out of your HVAC unit.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows are a great way to improve the insulation of your home. Older windows have difficulty keeping in the cool air that your HVAC unit provides, so switching to more energy-efficient windows will reduce the amount of energy it takes for your HVAC unit to maintain a comfortable temperature. The cost of replacing your windows may seem pricey, but you’ll save yourself money over time by shrinking your electricity bills.
Seal Your Windows
In addition to upgrading your windows, you also need to make sure that your windows are properly sealed to optimize your home’s insulation. If your windows aren’t properly sealed, warm air from the outdoors will seep into your home and cool air circulated by your HVAC unit will escape. This will force your HVAC unit to use more energy and will ultimately drive up your electricity bill. Identify the leaks and cracks reducing your home’s insulation, and use caulk and weather stripping to seal your windows.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Although obtaining a programmable thermostat will have an initial startup cost, you’ll save money on future electricity bills. You can program your thermostat to not operate during certain times of the day so that your HVAC isn’t using as much energy. You can easily program your thermostat to remain idle while you’re away from your home and return to normal functions shortly before you return. Some thermostats can even be programmed from your phone! You can instantly set your home’s temperature while you’re away.
Service Your HVAC Unit
Regular servicing of your HVAC unit will ensure that it’s running at its most efficient. If your unit resides outdoors, you need to clean around it and remove built-up debris that may be blocking the unit. Additionally, you should hire a professional to clean your HVAC coils and make sure that your system is running as efficiently as possible. Hiring a professional can also increase your HVAC’s lifespan because they ensure that your unit remains in optimal working condition.
Contact Snyder Heating & Air to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient!
If you’re ready to optimize your HVAC unit to reduce your air conditioning costs, contact us today! We provide expert HVAC repair and maintenance services that will make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
