With summer coming, we can bet that many of you are dreading those pesky energy bills. And of course, you’d rather not sacrifice your comfort, however, the cost of keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer can be quite expensive. So, what do you do? You turn to your local cooling experts for advice is what you do!
Consider yourself lucky for stumbling across this week’s blog because below, we have listed some of our favorite ways to boost air conditioning efficiency. When your home is energy efficient, you’ll spend less time worrying about sky-high bills and instead focus on the things that matter this summer, like getting the perfect tan and eating as much ice cream as you possibly can.
Our Favorite Tips and Tricks
One: Use Your Ceiling Fan
If you have a ceiling fan in your home, use it! Your ceiling fans help to better circulate conditioned air throughout your home, taking much of the burden off of your air conditioner. Using your ceiling fan during the summer is one of the best ways to cut down on cooling costs.
Two: Use Your Curtains Wisely
It’s no secret that the sun is hot, so consider blocking out those hot rays by shutting the curtains on your south-facing windows during the day. Closing your blinds or your curtains is a great way to keep excess heat out of your home, making it much easier to keep cool.
Three: Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat is another great way to boost your AC efficiency. A programmable thermostat allows you to create a cooling program based around your personal schedule, so you’ll never have to worry about wasting excess energy when you step out of your home for the day.
Four: Change Out Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter can create a boat-load of issues for your air conditioner, including decreased efficiency. When the air filter becomes too clogged, airflow in out of the system is restricted, making it much harder for it to do its job. We recommend changing your air filter every 1–3 months during the cooling season. If you are not sure how to change your filter, have your local HVAC technician teach you!
Five: Make Sure Your Ducts Are Sealed
Did you know that 30% of cool, conditioned air can escape through faulty ducts? Leaks and breaches in your ductwork system can significantly lower your energy efficiency, causing your bills to skyrocket! Be sure to have a professional HVAC technician inspect your ducts to ensure that they’re properly sealed.
Six: Schedule Annual Maintenance
Annual AC maintenance in Alexandria, VA is the best way to ensure that your AC works efficiently and effectively all summer long. During your maintenance visit, your technician will thoroughly inspect your system in order to locate and repair minor issues before they become major. Additionally, they will make adjustments when necessary to boost performance and efficiency.
For all your air conditioning services this summer, contact the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating.