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Spring is here, which means your home could become much more energy efficient. You won’t have to rely as much on your furnace to keep warm, and you’ll likely be spending less time indoors now that the weather outside is nicer. If you want to make the most out of this time and maximize energy efficiency before the summer arrives, here are some tips that will help you with that.
Service Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner should receive a tune-up from an HVAC technician at least once a year, and the spring is the perfect time for that. The weather outside will likely be mild enough that you won’t need your AC, and you’ll have plenty of time to make repairs should a technician find any problems with your system. A typical AC tune-up service involves tightening electrical connections, replenishing refrigerant levels, calibrating your thermostat, and anything else your air conditioner might need to keep running efficiently this summer. It might also allow your technician to identify and repair any minor problems with your system before they turn into costly repairs.
Replace Your HVAC Filters
Even though you’ll need a technician for a proper AC tune-up, you should still change your HVAC filter yourself. Your HVAC filter removes dust, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants from indoor air as it moves through your ducts, and it can get dirty enough to reduce the airflow throughout your home. This forces your AC to work harder than it needs to, which shortens its lifespan and raises your energy bills. Some air filters can last for some time before they need to be cleaned or replaced, but you should at least check your filters monthly so that you can keep an eye on how dirty they are becoming to change them in a timely manner.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great thing to have if you want to save money on your energy bills and get the most out of your HVAC system, but you need to know how to use it effectively. According to most HVAC experts, the optimal temperature setting for your thermostat during the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. That may sound too warm for some people, but it will help keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Your AC won’t have to work too hard to maintain that temperature, and your home will still feel relatively cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year. You can set your thermostat to an even higher temperature when you’re not home to save even more energy.
Check Your Home for Air Leaks
Your home can lose a lot of heat or cool air if you have too many air leaks. Check your windows and doors for drafts, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping. To ensure the job is done correctly and has the best outcome, work with a professional.
Adjust Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans won’t actually lower the temperature in a room, but they will circulate air and make it feel a little cooler. Make sure that your fans are turning counterclockwise so that they circulate cool air.
Install Window Coverings
Window coverings such as blinds, shades, and curtains will help block out the sun and keep your home a little cooler on hot days. You may not even need your AC on some days if you use your window treatments effectively.
Shut Off Your HVAC on Days When Weather Is Mild
Surely, you know those days when it’s not too hot or too cold. Those are perfect for giving your HVAC system a break. Instead of your AC or heater kicking on, open up some windows and let the fresh air flow through your house. You will not only get to enjoy some fresh air, but you’ll also save a ton on your energy bill. Think about it: your system doesn’t have to work overtime, so you’re not burning through electricity or gas. It’s a simple way to be kinder to the planet and your wallet.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
If your electricity bills have been a little high lately, try replacing your incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. Not only will these use much less energy, but they last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Turn Off Lights and Devices
When you leave a room, turn off any lights and devices inside it. Carelessly leaving the lights on when you leave a room or go to sleep at night wastes a lot of energy, even if you have LED lights. Pay close attention to computers, game consoles, and anything else that goes to “sleep.” Devices in “sleep” mode may use less energy than when they’re actively being used, but they’re still using energy. If they don’t need to be on at all, make sure they’re shut down completely. If you’re not sure whether or not they’re completely shut down, unplug them.
Replace Old Appliances
Older appliances generally aren’t as energy-efficient as newer models. If you have appliances that are around a decade old, consider replacing them with newer models with good ENERGY STAR ratings if you can. New appliances can get expensive, but the energy savings for a modern AC replacement or other energy-saving machine will be worth the investment in the long run.
Mind Where You Put Your Thermostat
Your thermostat monitors and adjusts the temperature in your home, so it should be kept away from any heat sources. That means keeping it out of direct sunlight from windows, but it also means keeping it away from lamps, TVs, computers, or any other devices in your home that give off a lot of heat. If your thermostat is too close to a heat source, it will register your home as warmer than it actually is and will run your air conditioner when it isn’t needed.
The best location for a thermostat is on an interior wall in a space that gets a lot of foot traffic. That will give it the most accurate temperature readings for your home.
Call Service Professor for Assistance
If you want to get the most out of your HVAC system or find other ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, Service Professor will be happy to assist you. We are your one-stop shop for all of your HVAC, and plumbing needs. Since we first opened our doors in 1978, we’ve made it our goal to provide unparalleled service and 100 percent customer satisfaction. Some of the services we offer include HVAC repair and installation, air duct cleaning services, and electrical installation and repair.
For more information about our services or to schedule service for your home, contact Service Professor at our Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Grand Ledge locations today.
