As summer’s heat and humidity approaches, the need to prepare your home is an urgent one. It requires a lot of energy to keep your home cool, and finding ways to save energy during these high periods of usage can make a big difference in your monthly energy bills.
The professionals of Sun Air Services understand how important saving money and energy are and recommend these seven energy-saving tips for summer to keep cooling costs down and your home comfortable all season long.
Springtime means it’s time for an AC tune-up. Your air conditioning system needs an annual maintenance check-up to ensure it is running at peak condition. It also prevents future breakdowns, prolonging the life of your entire cooling and heating system.
All the air that comes through your air conditioner to be cooled must go through the air filters. That means everything else in the air, including dirt, dust, and particulate debris gets caught in those filters. Keep your AC running efficiently and effectively by cleaning the filters or replacing them every 4 to 6 weeks, especially if the unit is in constant use.
Incandescent lightbulbs waste 85% to 90% of their energy as heat. LED lights burn much cooler, use 75% less energy, and last much longer. Though they are a bit more expensive upfront, they pay for themselves in energy savings in the long run.
Set your thermostat above 75℉ and only lower the temperature, if needed, when you are at home. Extra cooling can increase your energy bill substantially. If necessary, supplement your cooling needs with fans wherever you need them, which are much cheaper to run.
When the sun hits the windows on the southern- and western-facing walls of your home, it creates a greenhouse effect, absorbing the heat and raising the temperature in your home. Avoid this by investing in energy-efficient window coverings, such as draperies, shades, or blinds, and keep them closed when the sun hits those parts of your home.
Home-cooked meals are great, but the heat generated from using the oven can cause your AC to work overtime. Opt instead for microwave- and stovetop-cooked meals when you can, or get outdoors and grill. Many different foods can be cooked on the grill, saving you money and a lot of kitchen clean-up, too.
All electronics generate a certain amount of heat, even when switched off. Unplug any electronics you aren’t using to eliminate those small amounts of heat that add up.
Keep these energy-saving tips for summer in mind, and when you’re ready to get your AC system tuned up for the season, call us at Sun Air Services at (813) 694-8989. Our professional HVAC technicians are ready to assess your seasonal energy use, tune-up your air conditioner, and recommend any adjustments to improve your home’s energy efficiency.