7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As icy winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring takes hold, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your residence cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to implement energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hot months ahead.
Here are seven strategies to implement today, courtesy of the cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Run Ceiling Fans
If you don’t use your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to improve comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel roughly four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from running a ceiling fan lets you turn up the thermostat without feeling too hot. However, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch them off when you leave to save energy.
2. Be Smart With Your Windows
On the subject of managing your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The trick is knowing how to use them correctly based on how warm or cold it is outside:
- On cool but sunny days, elevate the blinds to allow the sunshine in so it can warm your home naturally.
- On much warmer days, open windows on opposite sides of the dwelling to produce a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to use your air conditioning system to protect against pollen from getting in.
- On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to minimize solar heat gain and reduce the need for home cooling.
3. Use the Backyard Grill
Using the oven or stovetop raises the indoor temperature, making your cooling system work harder and consume more power. Make the most of the stunning spring weather by taking your cooking outdoors. Grilling is an excellent way to get some fresh air while keeping your house cool and comfortable. Additionally, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the severe heat and irritating mosquitoes of summer.
4. Spring Clean Strategically
Spring cleaning is a habit that results in a fresh, neat home just in time for much warmer weather. You may not realize it, but spring cleaning is also a chance to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. As you give your home a rigorous cleaning, put emphasis on places in your home that impact airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s electricity bills. Here are some areas to tackle:
- • Clean ceiling fan blades and set them to run counterclockwise.
- Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
- Clean sliding glass door tracks to lower the amount of air leakage.
- Change the HVAC air filter to encourage optimal airflow.
- Rake away debris from around the outdoor AC unit to increase performance.
- Clean the coils underneath or behind the refrigerator to reduce the power needed to keep your food cold.
- Wipe down light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Get Your Air Conditioner a Tune Up
A spring AC check-up prepares your cooling system for the summer’s hot sun. While you can do a couple of tasks yourself, such as switching out the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outdoor unit, only a skilled specialist can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual maintenance can go a long ways to help reduce power usage, promote more reliable performance and lengthen your cooling system’s lifespan. Schedule service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring to make sure your system is ready to its best when you need it most.
6. Don’t Forget Your Ducts
Spring is the ideal time to take a look at your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air reach its destination more effectively. Then, a good duct cleaning removes debris buildup, helping make sure your home’s air moves smoothly within the system. These ductwork services save electricity and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more comfortable place to be during the summer.
7. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
Contemplate upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less energy without sacrificing performance. Upgrades require an investment, but you can expect considerable power bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable home. These improvements also enhance a home’s value if you ever decide to sell the residence. Spring is the right time for HVAC updates, as contractors are typically less busy, making it easier to set up the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Edmonton this Spring
For help using any of these tips this spring, turn Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide affordable, energy-efficient cooling remedies in Edmonton to save you money all season long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rely on us to provide comfort and peace of mind. For excellent service that makes a positive impact on your daily life, call 587-404-0790 today!