Eek! If your latest energy bill is frighteningly high, now’s the time to take action! Cooling costs are a great place to begin saving electricity. In our short but intense Vaughan summers, AC can account for as much as 50 percent of your electricity usage. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on AC expenses without sacrificing that delicious cool home comfort you crave. Check out these 9 air conditioning tips to save energy this summer.
1. Regular Air Conditioning System Maintenance
A professional air conditioning maintenance plan is an excellent way to save on your energy bills. The last thing you need is to be spending money on energy when your AC unit isn’t even blowing cold air. A well-maintained AC system will operate more efficiently and require less energy to run. You’ll also save money in another way — in the course of routine maintenance, your air conditioner technician will detect any minor issues and take care of them before you end up needing emergency air conditioner repair or even air conditioner replacement.
2. Clean Your AC Air Filters
Your AC unit will work much more efficiently when you do this one quick chore: change the filter! Make that “clean the filter” if you have an eco-friendly reusable type. Check AC air filters at least once a month, and change or clean every 90 days minimum. Keep up the same routine during the winter heating season, as well.
3. Install A Smart Thermostat Or Programmable Thermostat
Today’s programmable and smart thermostats simplify saving energy. With a programmable thermostat, you just preset the temperature you want at the times you want. A smart thermostat is even easier: it “learns” your routines and adjusts the air conditioning accordingly — and it can be adjusted via your smartphone. No need to have the AC going full blast while you’re asleep or out of the house!
4. Make Use Of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are much cheaper to use than air conditioning, yet they keep you cool two ways. First, they provide a refreshing breeze. Second, fans help cool air circulate more efficiently through your rooms. The US Department of Energy advises that you can raise the AC unit temperature 2.2 degrees Celsius (4 degrees Fahrenheit) without sacrificing comfort when you run a ceiling fan with your cooling system.
5. Keep Window Blinds Down
Though direct sunlight streaming into your rooms is cheerful, it can also make your home very hot, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Reduce energy usage — keep blinds and drapes closed during the sunniest hours of the day on all your south or west-facing windows. If the sun is very strong, consider investing in some light-blocking window coverings.
6. Seal And Insulate Leaky Doors And Windows
Cracks and leaks around doors or windows tend to let in a lot of warm air from outdoors — and let out cold air. (The same is true during the colder months, when any small openings will allow heated air to escape.) So take a little time to cut your energy costs; add sealing and insulation to stop up any leaks. Your wallet will thank you, both this summer and next winter!
7. Use A Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Have you ever heard someone groan, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity”? So true; excess moisture indoors (above 40-50 percent relative humidity) will make you feel sticky, sweaty, and all-around miserable in summer. A whole-home dehumidifier is a great solution. It’s inexpensive to run but allows you to comfortably turn up your air conditioning a few degrees. Fringe benefit: Lower humidity improves indoor air quality and prevents the growth of mould, mildew, and dust mites.
8. Switch To A Heat Pump?
If you’re in the market to buy a new HVAC system, look into switching to a heat pump. A heat pump is a clean, eco-friendly way to cool or heat your home and save energy. Because heat pumps work by transferring heat (rather than producing heat), they require only a tiny amount of fuel to deliver the cooling or heating you need. That means much lower air conditioning bills for you.
9. Is Your Air Conditioning The Right Size?
It stands to reason; undersized air conditioners won’t have the capacity to cool properly. But did you know that oversized air conditioning unit is equally problematic? When the cooling system’s too big, it will cool your home rapidly and then abruptly cycle off.
This continual on-off cycling reduces energy efficiency and shortens system lifespan. It also prevents your AC unit dehumidification feature from kicking in, which leaves your home unpleasantly muggy. So when you’re ready for an air conditioner replacement, consult with a reliable professional — like the team at Husky Air — to make sure your new air conditioner is sized just right.
Conversely, it might be that your AC unit doesn’t have enough room to operate efficiently. Learn how to landscape around your AC to ensure it can run at its best.
Husky Helps You Save
Now that you have these energy saving tips, it’s time to find an HVAC company you can trust. At Husky, we’re on your side. Save money and stay cool in the Vaughan area this summer– schedule air conditioning maintenance or repair with our expert team today!