Keeping your home cool during the summer months is a priority. However, air conditioning comes with a cost. Thomas J. Fannon & Sons understands the challenges this brings to homeowners. That’s why in this post, we share some practical and effective ways to ensure your home stays cool without skyrocketing utility bills.
Utilize Ceiling Fans to Complement Your AC
Adjusting the thermostat of your air conditioner up by a few degrees and running a ceiling fan can reduce your cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. Set the fan to rotate counterclockwise as this can make the room feel cooler. Don’t forget to turn off the fans in unoccupied rooms to avoid energy waste.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostat devices automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule and preferences. With this, you can create a setting to increase the temperature when you’re out. Moreover, the ability to control your thermostat remotely ensures optimum energy use and convenience.
Regularly Maintain Your Unit
Air conditioning systems, such as ductless split systems, require regular maintenance to maintain their efficiency. A straightforward task like replacing or cleaning AC filters monthly can lower an AC unit’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%. For central air conditioning, ensuring that floor registers are not obstructed and that coils are clean will reduce the workload and energy consumption.
Reduce Heat Buildup During the Day
Minimizing heat buildup in your home can increase the burden on your cooling system.
Using appliances during the early morning hours or night helps reduce heat buildup. Moreover, using microwave ovens for cooking, drying clothes on a line, and handwashing dishes can significantly reduce indoor heat. This offers the dual benefits of energy savings and a cooler home environment.
Embrace Natural Cooling
Traditional methods can also help keep your home cool. For example, you can use thick curtains or blinds to block out the sun’s rays and open windows that allow the breeze to enter and flush out warm air. These practices can also help improve indoor air quality.
Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Cooling System
A good move is to let go of your old system and opt for a newer and more efficient one. Air conditioners with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) and ENERGY STAR® certification are your best choices as they consume less energy. Thomas J. Fannon & Sons can recommend and install an energy-efficient system that meets the specific needs of your household.
For quality and reliable HVAC services, trust Thomas J. Fannon & Sons. Call us today at (703) 549-5700 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
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