Every spring is a surprise for the people of Central Ohio. Whether it’s a mid April snow-storm or high 90 temperatures in early May, Ohio always seems to keep us on our toes. That being said, when the weather turns warmer, it can be tempting to crank up the AC to compensate. However, savings hide behind useful tips and tricks that we at Springfield Heating & Cooling have discovered during our years of HVAC maintenance. So we put together 10 ways to lower your home cooling costs this summer!
- Be Your Ceiling Fan’s Biggest Fan
Air circulation from ceiling fans creates a significant wind-chill which makes your home’s air temperature feel about 6 to 7 degrees cooler. By combining the use of ceiling fans with the use of your air conditioning, you can save money and energy. So be sure to raise your thermostat temperature to 6 to 7 degrees more than your preferred temperature and allow your fans to do the work!
- Make Use of Window Coverings
Because sunlight is an extremely powerful source of energy and heat, covering your windows during the day can help your air conditioning unit work more efficiently. Shades or curtains can certainly do the trick, and outdoor shutters or awnings add another layer of protection.
- Filter the Sunlight
If you wish to avoid being the neighborhood vampire by shutting up your curtains and blinds during the summer, you can invest in or make use of your mesh window screens. The mesh material filters out the hot summer sun, saving you some money on your electric bill.
- Unwanted Guest: Hot Air
Humid summer air can easily creep into your house through small cracks and openings. By investing in caulking or by weather-stripping doors and windows in your home, you can keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Additionally, an airtight home proves helpful and energy efficient in the winter, so your investment can show results during every season.
- Make Savings Your First Priority
If you’re running your AC based only on comfort, then you are probably wasting a lot of energy. By keeping energy consumption in mind, you can save money on your monthly utility bills. Your goal should be to keep your AC settings as close to outdoor temperatures as possible. Crazy enough, every degree you lower your thermostat increases energy savings by up to 6%.
- Remember to Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters are the number one cause of inefficient HVAC systems, and grime buildup is the greatest enemy of effective circulation. We recommend that you replace your indoor air filters at least once every 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on the size and setup of your home.
- Rewrite Your Family’s Daily Schedule
Many household chores and activities require heat, including cooking, showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Additional heat in your home forces your AC to work harder to keep up. By avoiding heat producing activities during the hot hours of the day, you will enable your AC unit to run more efficiently.
- Replace Your AC Unit When Necessary
While AC replacement can be an expensive and often daunting task, it’s important that you do not put it off when it’s necessary. If your AC unit has hit the end of its life, be sure to replace it with an energy efficient, highly rated system. While the investment may seem large now, replacing outdated AC systems results in lower energy bills and greater comfort!
- Invest in Eco-Friendly Shade Trees
If you are willing to wait for results from long term investments, then shade trees are the perfect eco-friendly option. Although saplings won’t make a difference when first planted, mature shade trees are proficient at protecting homes from the sun. If this option is right for you, then make sure to be smart about the placement of your shade trees. Consider targeting the east and west sides of your home, as well as your outdoor AC unit. By protecting these areas from the sun, you can significantly save money in the long run!
- Welcome Summer Savings With a Routine Checkup
Even if there are no noticeable problems, the best way to prepare for the summer season is to ensure that your HVAC system is running correctly. A certified HVAC technician can easily discover underlying issues that could prevent your cooling system from working efficiently in the summer.
Make the Call Today!
Great savings are on the agenda for this summer and we at Springfield Heating & Cooling are happy to help you kickstart your season with professional HVAC maintenance services. Additionally, if you have any questions about any of the tips above, you can call us today at 937-350-1881, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
