Bay Area Heating and Air Specialists Explain Tips and Tricks
As the temperatures in the summer skyrocket, your air conditioning unit is working exceptionally hard to regulate the temperature in your home. Unfortunately, this means higher energy bills. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), cooling accounts for 12% of the total energy expenditure in an average home in the U.S. There are proactive measures you can take to reduce the money you spend cooling your home this summer.
1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient A/C unit
The energy-efficient of your air conditioner depends on its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is. However, the A/C with the highest SEER rating might not be suitable for your home. You’ll need to consider other factors such as the size of your home, its age, among other factors. If you are considering an upgrade, talk to a reputable Bay Area heating and cooling company.
2. Maintain your HVAC unit
You will need to maintain your unit by cleaning it regularly and cleaning and replacing the air filters. This helps prevent clogs, which only makes your unit inefficient. During maintenance, you’ll need to seal any leaks and insulate your unit’s ducts.
3. Switch to a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats help you adjust your unit’s temperatures while you are asleep or away from home. Some thermostats can even be programmed remotely using an app on your phone.
4. Use a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans help circulate the air within your home, thus taking the burden off your unit.
5. Install energy-efficient lighting
Switch to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). These not only consume less energy but also generate lower amounts of heat within the home.
6. Avoid heat buildup in your home during the day
Whenever the outdoor temperature spikes, avoid indoor activities such as using a dishwasher, a clothes dryer, or cooking on a stovetop or oven. These activities generate heat, which further strains your unit.
7. Close your blinds or curtains
Allowing the sunlight to stream through your windows only raises the temperatures in your home. Close the drapes, especially on the windows that face the sun and let in the natural light by opening the windows that are not facing the sun.
8. Seal any air leaks
Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps on your doors or windows. This prevents the cooled indoor air from escaping.
9. Rearrange the furniture
If a chair is obstructing cooling vents, your unit may only end up cooling the back of your sofa. Check and rearrange any furniture pieces that may be blocking air conditioning vents.
10. Upgrade your windows
Older windows on your home might be energy-inefficient. While you will incur some upfront costs while upgrading to energy-efficient ones, the cost will be worth it as your cooling costs will be significantly lowered.
Contact the Best Castro Valley HVAC Contractor for Help
B.A. Morrison is an East Bay HVAC company dedicated to offering you complete cooling, heating, and indoor air quality services. Whether you need to replace or maintain your HVAC system, turn to the Bay Area air conditioning experts at B.A. Morrison. Contact us online here or by calling us at (510) 538-9817.